Optical Image Stabilization with Voice Coil Motor for Moving Image Sensor

ABSTRACT

A camera includes a camera actuator having autofocus (AF) voice coil motor (VCM) with a lens carrier mounting attachment moveably mounted to a base, magnets mounted to the base, and an AF coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier mounting attachment for producing forces for moving a lens carrier in a direction of an optical axis of a lens of the lens carrier. The magnets may include a pair of first magnets laterally spaced along a first side of the camera and a pair of second magnets laterally spaced along a second side of the camera opposite the first side. The optical image stabilization (OIS) VCM includes an image sensor carrier moveably mounted to the base, and OIS coils moveably mounted to the image sensor carrier within the magnetic fields of the magnets, for producing forces for moving the image sensor carrier in directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/175,469, filed Feb. 12, 2021, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/083,819, filed Sep. 10, 2018 and nowissued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,924,675, which is a 371 of PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/US2017/021915, filed Mar. 10, 2017, which claims benefit ofpriority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/307,416, filedMar. 11, 2016, and U.S. Provisional to Application No. 62/399,095, filedSep. 23, 2016, which are all hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to position control and morespecifically to position management with optical image stabilization inautofocus camera components.

Description of the Related Art

The advent of small, mobile multipurpose devices such as smartphones andtablet or pad devices has resulted in a need for high-resolution, smallform factor cameras for integration in the devices. Some small formfactor cameras may incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS)mechanisms that may sense and react to external excitation/disturbanceby adjusting location of the optical lens on the X and/or Y axis in anattempt to compensate for unwanted motion of the lens. Some small formfactor cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF) mechanism whereby theobject focal distance can be adjusted to focus an object plane in frontof the camera at an image plane to be captured by the image sensor. Insome such autofocus mechanisms, the optical lens is moved as a singlerigid body along the optical axis (referred to as the Z axis) of thecamera to refocus the camera.

In addition, high image quality is easier to achieve in small formfactor cameras if lens motion along the optical axis is accompanied byminimal parasitic motion in the other degrees of freedom, for example onthe X and Y axes orthogonal to the optical (Z) axis of the camera. Thus,some small form factor cameras that include autofocus mechanisms mayalso incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS) mechanisms that maysense and react to external excitation/disturbance by adjusting locationof the optical lens on the X and/or Y axis in an attempt to compensatefor unwanted motion of the lens.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

In some embodiments, a camera actuator includes an actuator base, anautofocus voice coil motor, and an optical image stabilization voicecoil motor. In some embodiments, the autofocus voice coil motor includesa lens carrier mounting attachment moveably mounted to the actuatorbase, a plurality of shared magnets mounted to the base, and anautofocus coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier mounting attachmentfor producing forces for moving a lens carrier in a direction of anoptical axis of one or more lenses of the lens carrier. In someembodiments, the optical image stabilization voice coil motor includesan image sensor carrier moveably mounted to the actuator base, and aplurality of optical image stabilization coils moveably mounted to theimage sensor carrier within the magnetic fields of the shared magnets,for producing forces for moving the image sensor carrier in a pluralityof directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

Some embodiments may include a flexure module that may be used in anoptical image stabilization VCM actuator (e.g., an optical imagestabilization actuator) of a camera. The flexure module may include adynamic platform and a static platform. In various examples, the flexuremodule may include one or more flexures. The flexures may be configuredto mechanically connect the dynamic platform to the static platform.Furthermore, the flexures may be configured to provide stiffness (e.g.,in-plane flexure stiffness) to the VCM actuator while allowing thedynamic platform to move along a plane that is orthogonal to an opticalaxis defined by one or more lenses of the camera. In variousembodiments, the flexure module may include one or more flexurestabilizer members. The flexure stabilizer members may be configured tomechanically connect flexures to each other such that the flexurestabilizer members prevent interference between the flexures that areconnected by the flexure stabilizer members. In some examples, theflexure module may include electrical traces configured to conveysignals from the dynamic platform to the static platform. The electricaltraces may be routed from the dynamic platform to the static platformvia flexures, flexure stabilizer members, and/or flex circuits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example camera having an actuator module orassembly that may, for example, be used to provide autofocus throughoptics assembly movement and/or optical image stabilization throughimage sensor movement in small form factor cameras, according to atleast some embodiments.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate components of an example camera having an actuatormodule or assembly that may, for example, be used to provide autofocusthrough optics assembly movement and/or optical image stabilizationthrough image sensor movement in small form factor cameras, according toat least some embodiments. FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the camera.FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera. FIG. 5 shows aperspective view of the exterior of the camera.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example transversemotion voice coil motor (VCM) that may be used, for example, in a camerato provide optical image stabilization, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict an example embodiment of frames and flexures of acamera having an actuator module or assembly that may, for example, beused to provide autofocus through optics assembly movement and/oroptical image stabilization through image sensor movement in small formfactor cameras, according to at least some embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8B each illustrate a view of an example flexure module of avoice coil motor (VCM) actuator that may be used, for example, in acamera to provide optical image stabilization, in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of the example flexuremodule. FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of the example flexuremodule.

FIGS. 9A-9L each illustrate a partial top view of a respective exampleflexure module configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. Insome cases, one or more embodiments of the example flexure moduleconfigurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module of a voicecoil motor (VCM) actuator. The VCM actuator may be used, for example, ina camera to provide optical image stabilization.

FIGS. 10A-10J illustrate views of an example flexures and/or traces, inaccordance with some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodimentsof the example flexures may be used in a flexure module of a voice coilmotor (VCM) actuator. The VCM actuator may be used, for example, in acamera to provide optical image stabilization.

FIGS. 11A-11B each illustrate a view of an example flexure module of avoice coil motor (VCM) actuator that may be used, for example, in acamera to provide optical image stabilization, in accordance with someembodiments. In FIGS. 11A-11B, the example flexure module may includeelectrical traces routed from a dynamic frame to a static frame viaflexures. FIG. 11A illustrates a top view of the example flexure module.FIG. 11B illustrates a perspective view of the example flexure module.

FIGS. 12A-12B each illustrate a view of an example flexure module of avoice coil motor (VCM) actuator that may be used, for example, in acamera to provide optical image stabilization, in accordance with someembodiments. In FIGS. 12A-12B, the example flexure module may includeone or more flex circuits configured to route electrical traces from adynamic frame to a static frame. FIG. 12A illustrates a top view of theexample flexure module. FIG. 12B illustrates a perspective view of theflexure module.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example method of conveying signals from adynamic platform of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator to a staticplatform of a VCM actuator, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14A illustrates an example flexure platform according to someaspects.

FIG. 14B illustrates an example flexure platform having utilized one ormore flexure platform reduction techniques according to some aspects.

FIG. 15A illustrates an example flexure platform having utilized one ormore flexure platform reduction techniques according to some aspectsaccording to some aspects.

FIG. 15B illustrates the example substrate being implemented with aflexure platform having utilized one or more flexure platform reductiontechniques according to some aspects.

FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of an example VCM architecture fora reduced size flexure platform and camera module according to someaspects.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example camera module include an OIS VCMarchitecture according to some aspects.

FIG. 18A illustrates an example camera module including an AF VCMarchitecture according to some aspects.

FIG. 18B illustrates an example camera module including an AF VCMarchitecture for a reduced sized camera module and reduced size flexureplatform according to some aspects.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded view of components of an example camerahaving an actuator module or assembly with a reduced size that may, forexample, be used to provide autofocus (AF) through optics assemblymovement and/or optical image stabilization (OIS) through image sensormovement in small form factor cameras, according to at least someembodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates a block diagram of a portable multifunction devicewith a camera, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 21 depicts a portable multifunction device having a camera, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example computer system that may include acamera, in accordance with some embodiments. The example computer systemmay be configured to implement aspects of the system and method forcamera control, in accordance with some embodiments.

This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “inan embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims,this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider aclaim that recites: “An apparatus comprising one or more processor units. . . .” Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from includingadditional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphicscircuitry, etc.).

“Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may bedescribed or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In suchcontexts, “configured to” is used to connote structure by indicatingthat the units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry)that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, theunit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the taskeven when the specified unit/circuit/component is not currentlyoperational (e.g., is not on). The units/circuits/components used withthe “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits,memory storing program instructions executable to implement theoperation, etc. Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is “configuredto” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, for that unit/circuit/component.Additionally, “configured to” can include generic structure (e.g.,generic circuitry) that is manipulated by software and/or firmware(e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) tooperate in manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue.“Configure to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g.,a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate devices (e.g.,integrated circuits) that are adapted to implement or perform one ormore tasks.

“First,” “Second,” etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labelsfor nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering(e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuitmay be described herein as performing write operations for “first” and“second” values. The terms “first” and “second” do not necessarily implythat the first value must be written before the second value.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or morefactors that affect a determination. This term does not forecloseadditional factors that may affect a determination. That is, adetermination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least inpart, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.”While in this case, B is a factor that affects the determination of A,such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also beingbased on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Introduction to Magnetic Sensing for AutofocusPosition Detection

Some embodiments include camera equipment outfitted with controls,magnets, and voice coil motors to improve the effectiveness of aminiature actuation mechanism for a compact camera module. Morespecifically, in some embodiments, compact camera modules includeactuators to deliver functions such as autofocus (AF) and optical imagestabilization (OIS). One approach to delivering a very compact actuatorfor OIS is to use a Voice Coil Motor (VCM) arrangement.

In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization actuator isdesigned such that the imagining sensor is mounted on an OIS frame whichtranslates in X and Y (as opposed to an autofocus actuator thattranslates in Z, where Z is the optical axis of the camera). Anelectro-mechanical component for moving the image sensor is composed ofa static and a dynamic platform. Mounting of an imaging sensor (wirebonding, flip/chip, BGA) on the dynamic platform with run out electricalsignal traces from the dynamic platform to the static platform providesfor connection to the image sensor. In-plane flexures connect thedynamic platform to the static platform and support electrical signaltraces. OIS Coils are mounted on the dynamic platform. In someembodiments, OIS permanent magnets are mounted on the static platform toprovide additional Lorentz force (e.g. in case of high in-plane flexurestiffness).

Some embodiments include a camera. The camera may include a lens, animage sensor, and a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. The lens mayinclude one or more lens elements that define an optical axis. The imagesensor may be configured to capture light passing through the lens.Furthermore, the image sensor may be configured to convert the capturedlight into image signals.

In some embodiments, a camera actuator includes an actuator base, anautofocus voice coil motor, and an optical image stabilization voicecoil motor. In some embodiments, the autofocus voice coil motor includesa lens carrier mounting attachment moveably mounted to the actuatorbase, a plurality of shared magnets mounted to the base, and anautofocus coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier mounting attachmentfor producing forces for moving a lens carrier in a direction of anoptical axis of one or more lenses of the lens carrier. In someembodiments, the optical image stabilization voice coil motor includesan image sensor carrier moveably mounted to the actuator base, and aplurality of optical image stabilization coils moveably mounted to theimage sensor carrier within the magnetic fields of the shared magnets,for producing forces for moving the image sensor carrier in a pluralityof directions orthogonal to the optical axis.

Some embodiments provide an actuator system using a first AF VCM (voicecoil motor), and a second OIS VCM to separately accomplish sensor shift.In some embodiments, the AF VCM actuator allows translation of theoptics along the optical axis. In some embodiments, the OIS VCM actuatorallows an image sensor to translate in a plane perpendicular to opticalaxis. In some embodiments, the sensor is mounted on a flat flexure wherethe electrical traces connecting image sensor and I/O terminals areachieved using an additive metal deposition process (e.g., a highprecision additive copper deposition process) directly on the flexureand where the in-plane translation force is a result of a VCM designedaround a moving coil architecture.

In some embodiments, the elimination of OIS “optics shift” design thatrelies on vertical beams (suspension wires) reduces challenges toreliability by relying on the OIS sensor shift and the design of theflat flexure to provide lower required yield strength and largercross-section, both of which improve reliability.

In some embodiments, shifting the sensor allows reduction of the movingmass, and therefore there is a clear benefit in power consumption incomparison to OIS “optics shift” designs. In some embodiments,manufacturing is accomplished with the electrical traces directlydeposited on the OIS flexure (e.g., using an additive metal depositionprocess), which enables smaller size package while satisfying the I/Orequirements.

In some embodiments, the image sensor carrier further includes one ormore flexible members for mechanically connecting an image sensor, whichis fixed relative to the image sensor carrier, to a frame of the opticalimage stabilization voice coil motor.

In some embodiments, the image sensor carrier further includes one ormore flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting animage sensor, which is fixed relative to the image sensor carrier, to aframe of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor, and theflexures include electrical signal traces.

In some embodiments, the image sensor carrier further includes one ormore flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting animage sensor, in which is fixed relative to the image sensor carrier, toa frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor, and theflexures include metal flexure bodies carrying electrical signal traceselectrically isolated from the metal flexure bodies via an insulator(e.g., one or more polyimide insulator layers).

In some embodiments, the image sensor carrier further includes one ormore flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting animage sensor, in which is fixed relative to the image sensor carrier, toa frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor, and theflexures include metal flexure bodies carrying multiple layers ofelectrical signal traces electrically isolated from the metal flexurebodies and from one another via an insulator.

In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization coils are mountedon a flexible printed circuit carrying power to the coils for operationof the optical image stabilization voice coil motor.

In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization coils arecorner-mounted on a flexible printed circuit mechanically connected tothe actuator base and mechanically isolated from the autofocus voicecoil motor.

In some embodiments, a bearing surface end stop is mounted to the basefor restricting motion of the optical image stabilization voice coilmotor.

In some embodiments, a camera includes a lens in a lens carrier, animage sensor for capturing a digital representation of light transitingthe lens, an axial motion voice coil motor for focusing light from thelens on the image sensor by moving a lens assembly containing the lensalong an optical axis of the lens, and a transverse motion voice coilmotor.

In some embodiments, the axial motion voice coil motor includes asuspension assembly for moveably mounting the lens carrier to anactuator base, a plurality of shared magnets mounted to the actuatorbase, and a focusing coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier andmounted to the actuator base through the suspension assembly.

In some embodiments, the transverse motion voice coil motor includes animage sensor frame member, one or more flexible members for mechanicallyconnecting the image sensor frame member to a frame of the transversemotion voice coil motor, and a plurality of transverse motion coilsmoveably mounted to the image sensor frame member within the magneticfields of the shared magnets, for producing forces for moving the imagesensor frame member in a plurality of directions orthogonal to theoptical axis.

In some embodiments, the image sensor carrier further includes one ormore flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting animage sensor, in which is fixed relative to the image sensor carrier, toa frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor, and theflexures include electrical signal traces.

In some embodiments, the image sensor carrier further includes one ormore flexible members for mechanically and electrically connecting animage sensor, in which is fixed relative to the image sensor carrier, toa frame of the optical image stabilization voice coil motor, and theflexures include metal flexure bodies carrying electrical signal traceselectrically isolated from the metal flexure bodies via an insulator.

In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization coils are mountedon a flexible printed circuit carrying power to the coils for operationof the optical image stabilization voice coil motor.

In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization coils arecorner-mounted on a flexible printed circuit mechanically connected tothe actuator base and mechanically isolated from the autofocus voicecoil motor.

In some embodiments, a bearing surface end stop is mounted to the basefor restricting motion of the optical image stabilization voice coilmotor.

In some embodiments, a bearing surface end stop is mounted to theactuator base for restricting motion of the image sensor along theoptical axis.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detaileddescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks havenot been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspectsof the embodiments.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed asecond contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a firstcontact, without departing from the intended scope. The first contactand the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the samecontact.

The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willalso be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to andencompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms“includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon”or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” dependingon the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [astated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upondetermining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [thestated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the statedcondition or event],” depending on the context.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example camera 100 having an actuator moduleor assembly that may, for example, be used to provide autofocus throughoptics assembly movement and/or optical image stabilization throughimage sensor movement in small form factor cameras, according to atleast some embodiments. Camera 100 may include an optics assembly 102.The optics assembly 102 may carry one or more lenses 104 (also referredto herein as the “lens”). In some cases, the optics assembly may bemoveably connected to an actuator base. The lens 104 may be held with alens barrel, which may in turn be connected to a lens carrier 106,although it should be appreciated that the lens barrel and lens carrier106 may be a common component in some embodiments. In some embodiments,camera 100 includes an image sensor 108 for capturing a digitalrepresentation of light transiting the lens 104. Camera 100 may includean axial motion (autofocus) voice coil motor 110 for focusing light fromthe lens 104 on the image sensor 108 by moving the optics assembly 102containing the lens 104 along an optical axis of the lens 104. In someexamples, the axial motion voice coil motor 110 includes a suspensionassembly 112 for moveably mounting the lens carrier 106 to an actuatorbase 114. Furthermore, the axial motion voice coil motor 110 may includea plurality of shared magnets 116 mounted to the actuator base 114, anda focusing coil 118 fixedly mounted to the lens carrier 106 and mountedto the actuator base 114 through the suspension assembly 112. In someembodiments, the actuator base 114 can be made from multiple separatecomponents.

In various embodiments, camera 100 includes a transverse motion (opticalimage stabilization (OIS)) voice coil motor 120. The transverse motionvoice coil motor 120 may include an image sensor frame member 122, oneor more flexible members 124 (also referred to herein as “flexures”,“flexure arms”, or “spring arms”) for mechanically connecting the imagesensor frame member 122 (also referred to herein as the “dynamicplatform” or “inner frame”) to a frame of the transverse motion voicecoil motor 126 (also referred to herein as the “static platform” or“outer frame”), and a plurality of OIS coils 132. As indicated in FIG.2, the OIS coils 132 may be mounted to the dynamic platform 122 withinthe magnetic fields 138 of the shared magnets 116, for producing forces140 for moving the dynamic platform 122 in a plurality of directionsorthogonal to the optical axis of the lens 104.

In some embodiments, the dynamic platform 122, the flexures 124 formechanically connecting the dynamic platform 122 to the static platform126, and the static platform 126 are a single metal part or otherflexible part. In some embodiments, the flexures 124 mechanically and/orelectrically connect an image sensor 108, in which is fixed relative tothe dynamic platform 122, to the static platform 126, and the flexures124 include electrical signal traces 130. In some embodiments, theflexures 124 include metal flexure bodies carrying electrical signaltraces 130 electrically isolated from the metal flexure bodies via aninsulator.

In some examples, the OIS coils 132 are mounted on a flexible printedcircuit (FPC) 134 carrying power to the OIS coils 132 for operation ofthe transverse motion (OIS) voice coil motor 120. The flexible printedcircuit 134, the dynamic platform 136, the flexures 124, and/or thestatic platform 126 may be connected to a top surface of the actuatorbase 114 in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, a bearing surface end stop 136 is mounted to theactuator base 114 for restricting motion of the image sensor 108 alongthe optical axis.

For OIS coil control, in some embodiments control circuitry (not shown)may be positioned on the dynamic platform 122 and/or the FPC 134, andpower may be routed to the control circuitry via one or more of theflexures 124. In other instances, the control circuitry may bepositioned off of the dynamic platform 122, and stimulation signals maybe carried to the OIS coils 132 from the control circuitry via one ormore of the flexures 124.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate components of an example camera 300 having anactuator module or assembly that may, for example, be used to provideautofocus (AF) through optics assembly movement and/or optical imagestabilization (OIS) through image sensor movement in small form factorcameras, according to at least some embodiments. FIG. 3 shows anexploded view of the camera 300. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view ofthe camera 300. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the exterior of thecamera 300. In various embodiments, the camera 300 may include an opticsassembly 302, a shield can 304, a magnet holder 306, a magnet 308, alens carrier 310, an AF coil 312, a base 314, an OIS coil 316, an OISFPC 318, an image sensor 320, an OIS frame 322 (e.g., in accordance withone or more embodiments of the flexure modules described herein withreference to FIGS. 7A-11B), and/or electrical traces 324.

In various examples, the shield can 304 may be mechanically attached tothe base 314. The camera 300 may include an axial motion (AF) voice coilmotor (VCM) (e.g., axial motion VCM 110 discussed above with referenceto FIGS. 1 and 2) and/or a transverse motion (OIS) VCM (e.g., transversemotion VCM 120 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2). In somecases, the axial motion VCM may include the optics assembly 302, themagnet holder 306, the magnet 308, the lens carrier 310, and/or the AFcoil 312. Furthermore, the transverse motion VCM may include the OIScoil 316, the OIS FPC 318, the image sensor 320, the OIS frame 322,and/or the electrical traces 324. In some examples, the axial motion VCM(or a portion thereof) may be connected to the shield can 304, while thetransverse motion VCM (or a portion thereof) may be connected to thebase 314.

In some embodiments, the OIS FPC 318 and/or the OIS frame 322 may beconnected to a bottom surface of the base 314. In some examples, thebase 314 may define one or more recesses and/or openings having multipledifferent cross-sections. For instance, a lower portion of the base 314may have may define a recess and/or an opening with a cross-sectionsized to receive the OIS frame 322. An upper portion of the base 314 maydefine a recess and/or an opening with a cross-section sized to receivethe OIS FPC 318. The upper portion may have an inner profilecorresponding to the outer profile of the OIS FPC 318. This may help tomaximize the amount of material included in the base 314 (e.g., forproviding structural rigidity to the base 314) while still providing atleast a minimum spacing between the OIS FPC 318 and the base 314.

In some non-limiting examples, the OIS FPC 318 and the image sensor 320may be separately attached to the OIS frame 322. For instance, a firstset of one or more electrical traces may be routed between the OIS FPC318 and the OIS frame 322. A second, different set of one or moreelectrical traces may be routed between the image sensor and the OISframe 322. In other embodiments, the image sensor 320 may be attached toor otherwise integrated into the OIS FPC 318, such that the image sensor320 is connected to the OIS frame 322 via the OIS FPC 318, e.g., asdiscussed below with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example transversemotion voice coil motor (VCM) 600 that may be used, for example, in acamera to provide optical image stabilization (OIS), in accordance withsome embodiments. In some embodiments, the transverse motion VCM 600 mayinclude an OIS frame 602, an image sensor 604, an OIS flat printedcircuit (FPC) 606, and/or an OIS coil 608. The OIS frame 602 may includea dynamic platform 610, a static platform 612, and one or more flexures614. The flexures 614 may connect the dynamic platform 610 to the staticplatform 612. In some examples, one or more of the flexures 614 mayinclude one or more electrical traces 616 routed between the staticplatform 612 and the dynamic platform 610 and/or the OIS FPC 606.

In some embodiments, the image sensor 604 may be attached to orotherwise integrated into the OIS FPC 606 such that the image sensor 604is connected to the OIS frame 602 via the OIS FPC 606, e.g., as depictedin FIG. 6. In some examples, there may be one or more trace connections618 between the OIS FPC 606 and the OIS frame 602. In some cases, theOIS frame 602 may have a hole 620 extending therethrough, and a portionof the OIS FPC 606 and/or the image sensor 604 may extend at leastpartially through the hole 620. This may allow for a reduction in zheight (e.g., the height of the transverse motion VCM 600 along anoptical axis of the camera) in some cases.

In some examples, the OIS FPC 606 may extend from the dynamic platform610 such that a portion of the OIS FPC 606 is positioned over theflexures 614 (e.g., in a plane above the flexures 614). In someexamples, at least a portion of each of the OIS coils 608 to bepositioned above the flexures 614. Such an arrangement may facilitateminiaturization of the transverse motion VCM 600 and/or the camera, asthe dynamic platform 610 need not be sized to accommodate both the imagesensor 604 and the OIS coils 608.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict an example embodiment of frames and flexures 700 of acamera having an actuator module or assembly that may, for example, beused to provide autofocus through optics assembly movement and/oroptical image stabilization through image sensor movement in small formfactor cameras, according to at least some embodiments. An image sensor702 rests on, or is otherwise coupled to, a dynamic platform 704 of anOIS frame connected to a static platform 706 of the OIS frame byflexures 708 carrying electrical traces 710. The traces 710 may beelectrically insulated (e.g., from each other, from other flexures 708,from the OIS frame, etc.) via an insulator 712, e.g., as indicated inFIG. 7C. The traces 710 may be formed from a metal material (e.g.,copper). In some examples, the traces 710 may be formed using anadditive metal deposition process, such as an additive copper depositionprocess. Similarly, the insulator 712 may be made from polyimide.

In some embodiments, the OIS frame may include multiple flexure groups.Each flexure group may be multiple flexures 708 that are connected to acommon side of the dynamic platform 704 and a common side of the staticplatform 706. In some examples, at least one flexure group is configuredsuch that the flexures 708 connect to a side of the dynamic platform 704and a non-corresponding side of the static platform 706. That is, theeach side of the dynamic platform 704 may face a corresponding side ofthe static platform 706, and the flexure 708 may include at least onebend or curve to traverse a corner to reach a non-corresponding side ofthe static platform 706, e.g., as depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

In some cases, one or more sides of the dynamic platform 704 and/or thestatic platform 706 may include multiple flexure groups. For instance,as shown in FIG. 7A, a first side of the dynamic platform 704 mayinclude two flexure groups. One flexure group may connect the first sideof the dynamic platform 704 to a first non-corresponding side of thestatic platform 706, while the other flexure group may connect the firstside of the dynamic platform 704 to a second non-corresponding side ofthe static platform 706. In some cases, the first non-corresponding sideand the second non-corresponding side of the static platform 706 may beopposite each other. A second side of the dynamic platform 704 mayinclude two flexure groups that are connected in a similar manner to thestatic platform 706. In some cases, the first side and the second sideof the dynamic platform 704 may be opposite each other.

FIGS. 8A-8B each illustrate a view of an example flexure module 800 of avoice coil motor (VCM) actuator that may be used, for example, in acamera to provide optical image stabilization, in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of the flexure module 800.FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of the flexure module 800.

In some embodiments, the flexure module 800 may be used in a transversemotion (optical image stabilization) voice coil motor of a camera (e.g.,the cameras described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5). The flexuremodule 800 may include a dynamic platform 802 and a static platform 804.In some examples, the dynamic platform 802 and/or the static platform804 may be configured in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein with reference to FIGS. 1-7C and 9A-13. However,various other configurations of the dynamic platform 802 and/or thestatic platform 804 that are suitable for use with a VCM actuator fallwithin the scope of this disclosure.

In various examples, the flexure module 800 may include one or moreflexures 806. The flexures 806 may be configured to mechanically connectthe dynamic platform 802 to the static platform 804. The flexures 806may be configured to provide stiffness (e.g., in-plane flexurestiffness) to the VCM actuator while allowing the dynamic platform 802(and an image sensor fixed relative to the dynamic platform 802) to movealong a plane that is orthogonal to an optical axis defined by one ormore lenses of a camera. In this manner, the image sensor may be shiftedalong the plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis to provideoptical image stabilization functionality. Furthermore, as describedherein with reference to FIG. 1-7C, 10B-10E, 11A-11B, and 13, one ormultiple flexures 806 may include electrical traces configured to conveysignals (e.g., image signals generated by the image sensor fixedrelative to the dynamic platform 802) from the dynamic platform 802 tothe static platform 804.

In various embodiments, the flexure module 800 may include one or moreflexure stabilizer members 808. The flexure stabilizer members 808 maybe configured to mechanically connect flexures 806 to each other suchthat the flexure stabilizer members 808 prevent interference between theflexures 806 that are connected by the flexure stabilizer members 808.For instance, the flexure stabilizer members 808 may be configured toprevent the flexures 806 from colliding and/or entangling with oneanother, e.g., in drop events, vibration events, etc. Additionally, oralternatively, the flexure stabilizer members 808 may be configured tolimit motion of, and/or stabilize relative motion between, the flexures806 that are connected by the flexure stabilizer members 808.Furthermore, the flexure stabilizer members 808 may be arranged alongvarious portions of the flexures 806 to provide in-plane stiffness asneeded in the flexure module 800, e.g., to satisfy optical imagestabilization design requirements. Some non-limiting examples of flexurestabilizer member configurations are described below with reference toFIGS. 9A-9L.

In some embodiments, the flexures 806 may be arranged in one or moreflexure groups 810, or arrays, that individually include multipleflexures 806. For instance, as depicted in FIGS. 8A-8B, the flexuremodule 800 includes a first flexure group 810 a, a second flexure group810 b, a third flexure group 810 c, and a fourth flexure group 810 d. Insome examples, the flexures 806 of a flexure group 810 may be parallelto each other along a plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis. Insome cases, the flexures 806 of one flexure group 810 (e.g., the firstflexure group 810 a) may not be parallel to the flexures 806 of anotherflexure group 810 (e.g., the second flexure group 810 b). In some cases,one or more of the flexure groups 810 may include one or more flexurestabilizer members 808. For instance, each of the flexure groups 810 mayinclude one or more flexure stabilizer members 808. Furthermore, one ormore of the flexure groups 810 may include one or more bend (or “turn”)portions. In some cases, at least one of the flexure groups 810 mayinclude a flexure stabilizer member 808 disposed at a bend portion. Forexample, in FIGS. 8A-8B, each of the flexure groups 810 bend at threerespective bend portions, and a respective flexure stabilizer member 808connects the flexures 806 of respective flexure groups 810 at onerespective bend portion of the three respective bend portions.

In some examples, the dynamic platform 802 and/or the static platform804 may include one or more offsets 812 (e.g., a recess, an extension,etc.). In some cases, one or more flexures 806 may connect to thedynamic platform 802 and/or the static platform 804 at an offset 812.For instance, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B, the dynamic platform 802may include two recess offsets 812 at opposing sides of the dynamicplatform 802. However, in some embodiments, the dynamic platform 802and/or the static platform 804 may include a different offsetconfiguration. Some non-limiting examples of offset configurations aredescribed below with reference to FIGS. 9A-9L.

FIGS. 9A-9L each illustrate a partial top view of a respective exampleflexure module configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. Insome cases, one or more embodiments of the example flexure moduleconfigurations of FIGS. 9A-9L may be used in a flexure module (e.g., theflexure modules described herein with reference to FIGS. 8A-8B and11A-12B) of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. The VCM actuator may beused, for example, in a camera (e.g., the cameras described above withreference to FIGS. 1-5) to provide optical image stabilization.

The example flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L provide somenon-limiting examples of design feature variations that may be used inone or more embodiments of the flexure modules, VCM actuators, and/orcameras described herein.

FIG. 9A illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration900 a, in accordance with some embodiments. The flexure moduleconfiguration 900 a includes a dynamic platform 902 a, a static platform904 a, flexures 906 a, and a flexure stabilizer member 908 a. Theflexures 906 a may be part of a flexure group that extends from thedynamic platform 902 a to the static platform 904 a. A side of thedynamic platform 902 a may define a recess at which the flexures 906 aare attached to the dynamic platform 902 a. A non-corresponding side ofthe static platform 904 a may define an extension at which the flexures906 a are attached to the static platform 904 a. In its extension fromthe recess of the dynamic platform 902 a to the extension of the staticplatform 904 a, the flexure group may include one or more bends. Forinstance, the flexure group may include a first bend to traverse a firstcorner formed by the recess of the dynamic platform 902 a, a second bendto traverse a corner adjacent two sides of the dynamic platform 902 a,and a third bend to orient the flexure group towards the extension ofthe static platform 904 a. In some examples, a respective portion of theflexure group may be oriented orthogonal to the recess of the dynamicplatform 902 a and/or orthogonal to the extension of the static platform904 a at or near respective connection locations. In some embodiments,the recess of the dynamic platform 902 a may allow for an increasedlength of the flexures 906 a, which in turn may provide for additionalflexibility for the flexures 906 a.

FIG. 9B illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration900 b, in accordance with some embodiments. The flexure moduleconfiguration 900 b includes a dynamic platform 902 b, a static platform904 b, flexures 906 b, and flexure stabilizer members 908 b. In someembodiments, the dynamic platform 902 b, the static platform 904 b, andthe flexures 906 b may be configured like the dynamic platform 902 a,the static platform 904 a, and the flexures 906 a, respectively,described above with reference to FIG. 9A. However, the flexure moduleconfiguration 900 b may include multiple flexure stabilizer members 908b. For instance, each bend of the flexure group may include a respectiveflexure stabilizer member 908 b.

FIG. 9C illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration900 c, in accordance with some embodiments. The flexure moduleconfiguration 900 c includes a dynamic platform 902 c, a static platformconfiguration 904 c, flexures 906 c, and a flexure stabilizer member 908c. The flexures 906 c may be part of a flexure group that extends fromthe dynamic platform 902 c to the static platform 904 c. A side of thedynamic platform 902 c may define a first extension at which theflexures 906 c are attached to the dynamic platform 902 c. Anon-corresponding side of the static platform 904 c may define a secondextension at which the flexures 906 c are attached to the staticplatform 904 c. In its extension from the first extension of the dynamicplatform 902 c to the second extension of the static platform 904 c, theflexure group may include one or more bends. For instance, the flexuregroup may include a first bend to traverse a corner adjacent two sidesof the dynamic platform 902 c, and a second bend to orient the flexuregroup towards the second extension of the static platform 904 c. In someembodiments, the first extension of the dynamic platform 902 c may allowfor a reduced length of the flexures 906 c and/or a reduced number ofbends of the flexures 906 c, which in turn may provide for increasedstiffness of the flexures 906 c.

In some embodiments, an extension and/or a recess of a dynamic platformand/or a static platform may change the direction that the flexuresattach relative to the dynamic platform and/or the static platform. Forexample, in FIG. 9C, the flexures 906 c are connected to the secondextension of the static platform 904 c such that the flexures 906 cextend from the second extension in a direction toward a correspondingside of the dynamic platform 902 c (and thus the flexures 906 c bend toavoid contact with the corresponding side of the dynamic platform 902 c)while the flexures 906 c are connected to the first extension of thedynamic platform 902 c in a direction toward a non-corresponding side ofthe static platform 904 c (and thus the flexures 906 c do not need abend to avoid contact with the corresponding side of the static platform904 c).

In some examples, the second extension of the static platform 904 c maybe used to provide additional space for routing of traces (e.g., forgrounding of guard traces, as discussed below with reference to FIG.10D.

FIG. 9D illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration900 d, in accordance with some embodiments. The flexure moduleconfiguration 900 d includes a dynamic platform 902 d, a static platform904 d, and flexures 906 d. The flexures 906 d may be part of a flexuregroup that extends from the dynamic platform 902 d to the staticplatform 904 d. A side of the dynamic platform 902 d may define a firstextension at which the flexures 906 d are attached to the dynamicplatform 902 d. A non-corresponding side of the static platform 904 dmay define a second extension at which the flexures 906 d are attachedto the static platform 904 d. In its extension from the first extensionof the dynamic platform 902 d to the second extension of the staticplatform 904 d, the flexure group may include one or more bends. Forinstance, the flexure group may include a bend to traverse a corner(which may include, e.g., a chamfer, fillet, etc.) adjacent two sides ofthe dynamic platform 902 d. In some embodiments, the first extension ofthe dynamic platform 902 d may allow for a reduced length of theflexures 906 d and/or a reduced number of bends of the flexures 906 d,which in turn may provide for increased stiffness of the flexures 906 d.

In some examples, certain electrical traces (and the signals they carry)may be susceptible to physical deformations. In instances wheredifferent electrical traces have different thicknesses and/or strengths,the electrical traces may be routed along different flexures 906 dand/or different types of flexures 906 d, e.g., based at least in parton sensitivity of the electrical traces. For example, in FIG. 9D, theflexure group may include flexures 906 d of varying shapes and/orthicknesses. From outermost flexure 906 d to innermost flexure 906 d,the first (outermost) flexure 906 d and second flexure 906 d have afirst shape and a first thickness that is consistent throughout theflexures, the third flexure 906 d has a second shape and a secondthickness that varies at different portions of the flexure, and thefourth (innermost) flexure 906 d has a third shape and a third thicknessthat varies at different portions of the flexure. In some cases, thefirst shape, the second shape, and/or the third shape may be differentfrom one another. In some embodiments, each of the second shape and thethird shape may include a respective bend that is chamfered. In someinstances, the fourth (innermost) flexure 906 d may include a chamferedbend proximate a chamfered corner of the dynamic platform 902 d.Furthermore, the fourth (innermost) flexure 906 d may define a throughhole at or proximate the chamfered bend.

FIG. 9E illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration900 e, in accordance with some embodiments. The flexure moduleconfiguration 900 e includes a dynamic platform 902 e, a static platform904 e, and flexures 906 e.

FIG. 9F illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration900 f, in accordance with some embodiments. The flexure moduleconfiguration 900 f includes a dynamic platform 902 f, a static platform904 f, flexures 906 f, and flexure stabilizer members 908 f.

FIG. 9G illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration900 g, in accordance with some embodiments. The flexure moduleconfiguration 900 g includes a dynamic platform 902 g, a static platform904 g, and flexures 906 g.

FIG. 9H illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration900 h, in accordance with some embodiments. The flexure moduleconfiguration 900 h includes a dynamic platform 902 h, a static platform904 h, and flexures 806 h.

FIG. 9I illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration900 i, in accordance with some embodiments. The flexure moduleconfiguration 900 i includes a dynamic platform 902 i, a static platform904 i, flexures 906 i, and flexure stabilizer members 908 i. In someembodiments, the static platform 904 i may include a chamfered cornerproximate the outermost flexure 906 i. In some instances, the innersurface of the static platform 904 i may have a profile that follows theprofile of the flexures 906 i as well as at least a portion of the outerprofile of the dynamic platform 902 i. Such an arrangement may be usedto provide at least a minimum spacing between the flexures 906 i and thedynamic platform 902 i and/or the static platform 904 i. It should beappreciated that the components may have different profiles, but someother profiles may reduce useable area of the dynamic platform and/orthe static platform, and/or increase the overall size of an OIS frame.

FIG. 9J illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration900 j, in accordance with some embodiments. The flexure moduleconfiguration 900 j includes a dynamic platform 902 j, a static platform904 j, and flexures 906 j.

FIG. 9K illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration900 k, in accordance with some embodiments. The flexure moduleconfiguration 900 k includes a dynamic platform 902 k, a static platform904 k, flexures 906 k, and flexure stabilizer members 908 k.

FIG. 9L illustrates a partial top view of a flexure module configuration900 l, in accordance with some embodiments. The flexure moduleconfiguration 900 l includes a dynamic platform 902 l, a static platform904 l, flexures 906 l, and flexure stabilizer members 908 l.

With respect to flexures, some of the example flexure moduleconfigurations of FIGS. 9A-9L indicate variations of the flexures thatinclude, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

(1a) The number of flexures may vary. For instance, a flexure module mayinclude one or multiple flexures. In a particular example, a flexuremodule may include three to six flexures in a flexure group. As anon-limiting examples, the flexure group shown in FIG. 9A includes fiveflexures, while the flexure group shown in FIG. 9J includes fourflexures. The number of flexures in a flexure group may impact thestiffness of the flexure group. In some instances, a greater number offlexures may correspond to a higher stiffness of the flexure group.

(2a) The flexures may be parallel to each other. For instance, theflexure groups shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, 9E, 9F, 9H, 9I, 9K, and 9L haveflexures that are parallel to each other. However, the flexures do notneed to be parallel to each other. For examples, the flexure groupsshown in FIGS. 9D, 9G, and 9J include flexures that are not parallel toeach other.

(3a) The flexures may be parallel to a frame edge (e.g., an edge of adynamic platform and/or a static platform of a flexure module). Forinstance, each of FIGS. 9A-9L include portions of one or more flexuresthat are parallel to the dynamic platform and/or the static platform. Insome examples, portions of one or more flexures of a flexure group maynot be parallel to the dynamic platform and/or the static platform. Forinstance, in FIG. 9G, portions of the flexures 906 g are not parallel tothe dynamic platform 902 g or the static platform 904 g.

(4a) The flexures may be evenly spaced apart from each other. As anon-limiting example, the flexure groups shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, 9E, 9F,9H, 9I, 9K, and 9L include flexures that are evenly spaced apart fromeach other. In other examples, the flexures may not be evenly spacedapart from each other. For instance, the flexure groups shown in FIGS.9D, 9G, and 9J include flexures that are not evenly spaced apart fromeach other.

(5a) A width of a flexures may vary along the flexures and/or among theflexures. For instance, the flexure group shown in FIG. 9D includesflexures with such width variations.

(6a) The flexures may include features (e.g., a recess, an extension, anaperture, etc.). For instance, the flexure group shown in FIG. 9Dincludes an innermost flexure that defines an aperture.

(7a) A cross-section of the flexures may be rectangular, concave, and/orconvex in shape, e.g., as discussed below with reference to FIGS.10A-10J.

(8a) The flexures may be a solid material, clad, or switched beam, e.g.,as discussed below with reference to FIGS. 10A-10J.

With respect to bends of the flexures (or flexure groups), some of theexample flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L indicate bendvariations that include, but are not limited to, one or more of thefollowing:

(1b) The flexures may include one or more bends. For example, theflexures shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B have three bends, while the flexuresshown in FIG. 9C have two bends, and the flexures shown in FIG. 9D haveone bend.

(2b) A turning angle of the bends may vary. In some examples, theturning angle may be 90 degrees. For instance, the flexure group shownin FIG. 9A includes bends that have 90 degree turning angles. However,in other examples, the turning angle may be an angle other than 90degrees. For instance, the innermost flexure shown in FIG. 9G has a bendwith a turning angle that is not 90 degrees.

(3b) The turning radii of the bends may vary. For example, the flexuregroups shown in FIGS. 9D and 9J include flexures with bends that havevarying turning radii.

With respect to flexure stabilizer members, some of the example flexuremodule configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L indicate variations of the flexurestabilizer members that include, but are not limited to, one or more ofthe following:

(1c) One or more flexure stabilizer members may connect the flexures.For example, in FIG. 9A, a single flexure stabilizer member connects theflexures at one of the three bends of the flexure group. In FIG. 9B,three flexure stabilizer members are used to connect the flexures, witheach flexure connecting the flexures at a respective bend of the flexuregroup.

(2c) A flexure stabilizer member may connect some or all of theflexures. For instance, in FIG. 9A, a flexure stabilizer member connectsall of the flexures of the flexure group. The flexure groups shown inFIGS. 9F and 9L include flexure stabilizer members that connect some,but not all, of the flexures. In some cases, a flexure stabilizer membermay be used to connect two adjacent flexures to each other withoutconnecting those flexures to any other flexures.

(3c) The locations of the flexure stabilizer members may be anywhere onthe flexures. In some examples, the locations of the flexure stabilizermembers may be different among the flexures. For instance, in FIGS. 9Fand 9L, the locations of the flexure stabilizer members are differentamong the flexures. Furthermore, in FIG. 9F, the number of flexurestabilizer members connecting the flexures varies. Some of the flexuresare connected via two flexure stabilizer members, while other flexuresare connected via three flexure stabilizer members. In some instances, awidth and/or a thickness of the flexure stabilizer members may vary,with some being wider and/or thicker than others, e.g., as illustratedin FIG. 9F.

(4c) An angle between the flexure stabilizer members and the flexuresmay vary. In some examples, the angle between the flexure stabilizermember and the flexures may be 90 degrees, e.g., as shown in FIGS.9A-9C, 9F, 9I, and 9L. However, in other examples, the angle may be anangle other than 90 degrees, e.g., as shown in FIG. 9K.

With respect to offsets of the dynamic platform and/or the staticplatform, some of the example flexure module configurations of FIGS.9A-9L indicate variations of the offsets that include, but are notlimited to, one or more of the following:

(1d) An offset may exist at a flexure root where flexures connect to thedynamic platform and/or the static platform, e.g., as shown in FIGS.9A-9L.

(2d) The offset may be, for example, a recess, an extrusion, etc. Forinstance, FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9F, and 9K show a recess at the dynamic platformand an extension at the static platform. FIGS. 9C, 9D, 9E, 9G, 9I, 9J,and 9L show an extension at the dynamic platform and an extension at thestatic platform.

With respect to flexure connecting angles to the dynamic platform and/orthe static platform, some of the example flexure module configurationsof FIGS. 9A-9L indicate variations of the flexure connecting angles thatinclude, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

(1e) The flexure connecting angles may vary. In some examples, a flexureconnecting angle may be 90 degrees, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, 9F,9H, and 9J-9L. However, in other examples, the flexure connecting anglemay be an angle other than 90 degrees, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9E, 9G,and 9I.

(2e) Different flexures may have different flexure connecting angles,e.g., as shown in FIG. 9G.

(3e) For dynamic platforms and/or static platforms with an offset, theflexures may be connected to any available edge of the offset. In somecases, the flexures may be connected to an edge of the offset that isparallel to the side of the dynamic platform or the static platform thatdefines the offset, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, 9F, 9H, and 9K. Insome examples, the flexures may be connected to an edge of the offsetthat is orthogonal to the side of the dynamic platform or the staticplatform that defines the offset, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9D, 9J, and9L. In some cases, the flexures may be connected to a slanted edge ofthe offset that is at an angle to the side of the dynamic platform orthe static platform that defines the offset, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9E,9G, and 9I. In some embodiments, the slanted edges may be used toindividually adjust the lengths of different flexures. It should beunderstood that additive and/or subtractive processes may be used toform the flexure arms shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D,9E, 9F, 9G, 9H, 9I, 9J, 9K, and 9L. For example, the flexure connectionangles described herein may be sharp (e.g., pointed edge, hard edge)flexure connection angles or curved (e.g., rounded corner) flexureconnection angles. In some aspects, additive processes may create sharpflexure connecting angles and subtractive processes having etchant flowdynamics may create a radius for curved flexure connection angles.

With respect to flexure patterns (which, in some cases, may include apattern formed by the flexures and the flexure stabilizer members), someof the example flexure module configurations of FIGS. 9A-9L indicatevariations of the flexure patterns that include, but are not limited to,one or more of the following:

(1f) The flexure pattern may be symmetric. For instance, the flexurepattern may be symmetric along at least two axes (e.g., the x and yaxes) that are orthogonal to the optical axis. For example, the flexurepatterns shown in FIGS. 3, 7A, 8A, and 8B are symmetric along two axes.

(1g) The flexure pattern may be asymmetric. For instance, the flexurepattern may be asymmetric along at least one axis (e.g., the x axis orthe y axis) that is orthogonal to the optical axis. For instance, aflexure pattern may include multiple different ones of the flexuremodule configurations shown in FIGS. 9A-9L such that the flexure patternis asymmetric along the x axis and/or the y axis.

FIGS. 10A-10J illustrate views of example flexures and/or traces, inaccordance with some embodiments. In some cases, one or more embodimentsof the example flexures may be used in a flexure module (e.g., theflexure modules described herein with reference to FIGS. 8A-8B and11A-12B) of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator. The VCM actuator may beused, for example, in a camera (e.g., the cameras described above withreference to FIGS. 1-5) to provide optical image stabilization.

FIG. 10A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000 a, inaccordance with some embodiments. For instance, the cross-sectional viewof the flexure 1000 a may be taken along a plane that is parallel to theoptical axis. The flexure 1000 a may have a width dimension (denoted as“w” in FIG. 10A) and a height dimension (denoted as “h” in FIG. 10A). Insome examples, the height dimension may be greater than the widthdimension. For instance, in a particular embodiment, the heightdimension may be about 120 micrometers and the width dimension may beabout 30 micrometers. It should be understood that the height dimensionand/or the width dimension may be any other suitable dimension.

FIG. 10B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000 b, inaccordance with some embodiments. The flexure 1000 b may include anelectrical trace 1002 b. The electrical trace 1002 b may be configuredto convey signals (e.g., image signals) from a dynamic platform to astatic platform. The electrical trace 1002 b may be routed along atleast a portion of the flexure 1000 b. In some examples, the electricaltrace 1002 b may be located at a top portion of the flexure 1000 b. Inother examples, however, the electrical trace 1002 b may additionally oralternatively be located at a middle and/or bottom portion of theflexure 1000 b. In some cases, the electrical trace 1002 b may be aconductive material. For instance, the electrical trace 1002 b may be acopper deposition on the flexure 1000 b. In some embodiments, theelectrical trace 1002 b may be electrically insulated. For instance, theelectrical trace 1002 b may be at least partially coated by a dielectricmaterial 1004 b (e.g., a polyimide).

FIG. 10C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000 c, inaccordance with some embodiments. The flexure 1000 c may includemultiple electrical traces 1002 c (e.g., the electrical trace 1002 bdescribed above with reference to FIG. 10B). The electrical traces 1002c may be oriented side-by-side horizontally such that a horizontal planepasses through the electrical traces 1002 c. The electrical traces 1002c may be routed along at least a portion of the flexure 1000 c. In someexamples, the electrical traces 1002 c may be located at a top portionof the flexure 1000 c. In other examples, however, the electrical traces1002 c may additionally or alternatively be located at a middle and/orbottom portion of the flexure 1000 c. In some embodiments, theelectrical traces 1002 c may be electrically insulated from the rest ofthe flexure 1000 c and/or from each other. For instance, the electricaltraces 1002 c may each be at least partially coated by a dielectricmaterial 1004 c (e.g., a polyimide).

FIG. 10D illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000 d, inaccordance with some embodiments. The flexure 1000 d may includemultiple electrical traces 1002 d (e.g., the electrical trace 1002 bdescribed above with reference to FIG. 10B). The electrical traces 1002d may be oriented side-by-side vertically such that a vertical planepasses through the electrical traces 1002 d. The electrical traces 1002d may be routed along at least a portion of the flexure 1000 d. In someexamples, the electrical traces 1002 d may be located at a top portionof the flexure 1000 d. In other examples, however, the electrical traces1002 d may additionally or alternatively be located at a middle and/orbottom portion of the flexure 1000 d. In some embodiments, theelectrical traces 1002 d may be electrically insulated from the rest ofthe flexure 1000 d and/or from each other. For instance, the electricaltraces 1002 d may each be at least partially coated by a dielectricmaterial 1004 d (e.g., a polyimide).

FIG. 10E illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000 e, inaccordance with some embodiments. The flexure 1000 e may includemultiple electrical traces 1002 e (e.g., the electrical trace 1002 bdescribed above with reference to FIG. 10B). The electrical traces 1002e may be routed from a dynamic platform to a static platform along atleast a portion of the flexure 1000 e. In some cases, one or more of theelectrical traces 1002 e may be located at a top portion of the flexure1000 e, and one or more of the electrical traces 1002 e may be locatedat a top portion of the flexure 1000 e. In some embodiments, theelectrical traces 1002 d may be electrically insulated from the rest ofthe flexure 1000 e and/or from each other. For instance, the electricaltraces 1002 d may each be at least partially coated by a dielectricmaterial 1004 e (e.g., a polyimide).

FIG. 10F illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000 f, inaccordance with some embodiments. The flexure 1000 f may be formed ofmultiple materials. For instance, the flexure 1000 f may include a firstmaterial 1002 f that sandwiches a second material 1004 f In someexamples, the first material 1002 f and/or the second material 1004 fmay include or be one or more electrical traces (e.g., the electricaltrace 1002 b described above with reference to FIG. 10B).

FIG. 10G illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000 g, inaccordance with some embodiments. The flexure 1000 g may include aconcave portion 1002 g.

FIG. 10H illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure 1000 h, inaccordance with some embodiments. The flexure 1000 h may include aconvex portion 1002 h.

FIG. 10I illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexure configuration1000 i, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, theflexure configuration 1000 i may to include a first flexure 1002 i, asecond flexure 1004 i, a third flexure 1006 i, and/or a fourth flexure1008 i.

In some embodiments, an OIS frame may be formed from a conductivematerial (e.g., a copper alloy, stainless steel, or the like), such thatthe flexures themselves may act as a ground path between the staticplatform and the dynamic platform. Additionally, grounding traces may beadded to shield high-frequency lines (e.g., dual pair lines that carryimage signals from an image sensor to an image signal processor). Forexample, each of the first flexure 1002 i and the second flexure 1004may include signal traces 1010 i (e.g., two signal traces, as shown inFIG. 10I). Furthermore, one or more common shield traces 1012 i mayoverly the signal traces 1010 i to shield the signal traces 1010 i. Thesignal traces 1010 i and/or the common shield trace 1012 i may beelectrically insulated from each other, from the rest of the respectiveflexure, and/or from other flexures, via an insulator 1014 i. In somecases, a portion having the signal traces 1010 i, the common shieldtrace 1012 i, and the insulator 1014 i may be wider than the underlyingportion of the respective flexure, such that at least a portion of theinsulator 1014 i and/or one or more of the traces 1012 i, 1014 i extendsbeyond the width of the underlying portion of the respective flexure.

In some examples, it may be desirable to selectively choose which tracesare placed on different flexures. For example, in instances where onetrace and a flexure carries a power signal to the dynamic platform(e.g., to the image sensor and/or OIS control circuitry) and traces onanother flexure carry image signals from the image sensor, it may bedesirable to position a ground trace on a flexure between thepower-carrying flexure and the signal-carrying flexure. For instance,the third flexure 1006 i may include a ground trace 1016 i, and thefourth flexure 1008 i may include a power trace 1018 i. The thirdflexure 1006 i (which includes the ground trace 1016 i) may bepositioned between the second flexure 1004 i (which may carry imagesignals via the signal traces 1010 i) and the fourth flexure 1008 i(which may carry power via the power trace 1008 i). In some cases, theground trace 1016 i may be a reference different from the grounding ofthe OIS frame itself. Additionally, in some instances it may bedesirable to route one or more power traces along the shortest flexureon the OIS frame. Similarly, image-carrying traces may also beprioritized for shorter flexures, while other traces (e.g., carryinginformation between the OIS frame and the axial motion (autofocus) voicecoil motor (VCM) actuator) may have longer trace lengths.

FIG. 10J illustrates a top view of a flexure configuration 1000 j, inaccordance with some embodiments. The flexure configuration 1000 j mayinclude a flexure 1002 j that routes a signal trace 1004 j and a shieldtrace 1006 j from a dynamic platform 1008 j to a static platform 1010 j.The signal trace 1004 j and/or the shield trace 1006 j may beelectrically connected to the OIS frame at one or more points along thedynamic platform 1008 j, the static platform 1010 j, and/or the flexure1002 j. As illustrated in FIG. 10J, in some embodiments the signal trace1004 j and the shield trace 1006 may follow different paths on thedynamic platform 1008 j and the static platform 1010 j to allow theshield trace 1006 to electrically connect to the dynamic platform 1008 jand the static platform 1010 j, e.g., using vias 1012 j.

In various embodiments, one or more of the flexure stabilizer membersdescribed herein (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 8A-9L and 11A-12B) mayhave cross-sections that are similar to, or identical to, one or more ofthe flexures described herein (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 10A-10J).

FIGS. 11A-11B each illustrate a view of an example flexure module 1100of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that may be used, for example, in acamera (e.g., the cameras described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5)to provide optical image stabilization, in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 11A illustrates a top view of the flexure module 1100.FIG. 11B illustrates a perspective view of the flexure module 1100.Electrical traces may be routed from a dynamic platform 1102 to a staticplatform 1104 via flexures 1106 and/or flexure stabilizer members 1108,e.g., as described above with reference to FIGS. 10A-10J. In someexamples, the electrical traces may be routed, via one or more flexures1106 and/or one or more flexure stabilizer members 1108, from one ormore electrical connection elements 1110 disposed on the dynamicplatform 1102 to one or more electrical connection elements 1112disposed on the static platform 1112.

The electrical connection elements 1110 may be disposed along one ormore portions (or sides), of the dynamic platform 1102. For instance,the electrical connection elements 1110 may be disposed along one ormore flexure roots at which the flexures 1106 connect to the dynamicplatform 1102. Likewise, the electrical connection elements 1112 may bedisposed along one or more portions (or sides) of the static platform1104. For instance, the electrical connection elements 1112 may bedisposed along one or more flexure roots at which the flexures 1106connect to the static platform 1104. In some examples, the electricalconnection elements 1110 may be configured to electrically couple withan image sensor and/or another component (e.g., a flip chip, asubstrate, etc.) that is coupled to the image sensor. Accordingly, thedynamic platform 1102 may be configured to receive signals (e.g., imagesignals) from the image sensor via the electrical connection elements1110, and the signals may be conveyed from the electrical connectionelements 1110 of the dynamic platform 1102 to the electrical connectionelements 1112 of the static platform 1104 via one or more electricaltraces routed along the flexures 1106 and/or the flexure stabilizermembers 1108.

In FIGS. 11A and 11B, the electrical connection elements 1112 arelocated on a common side of the static platform 1104. However,electrical connection elements may be on multiple sides of the staticplatform in some embodiments. For example, FIG. 7A shows electricalconnection elements on two different sides of the static platform.

In some embodiments, when there are electrical traces on both sides of aflexure 1106 (e.g., as indicated in FIG. 10E), there may be vias throughthe dynamic platform 1102 so that electrical connection elements 1110are on a common side of the dynamic platform 1102. For the staticplatform, electrical traces may be brought up to a common surface usingvias (e.g., to facilitate ease of connection) or may be on differentsurfaces (which can facilitate reduction in the size of the OIS frame insome cases).

FIGS. 12A-12B each illustrate a view of a flexure module 1200 of a voicecoil motor (VCM) actuator that may be used, for example, in a camerae.g., the cameras described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5) toprovide optical image stabilization, in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 12A illustrates a top view of the flexure module 1200.FIG. 12B illustrates a perspective view of the flexure module 1200. Theflexure module 1200 may include one or more flex circuits 1202configured to route one or more electrical traces 1204 from a dynamicplatform 1206 to a static platform 1208.

In some examples, the electrical traces 1204 may be routed, via one ormore flex circuits 1202, from one or more electrical connection elements1210 disposed on the dynamic platform 1206 to one or more electricalconnection elements 1212 disposed on the static platform 1208.

The electrical connection elements 1210 may be disposed along one ormore portions (or sides), of the dynamic platform 1206. Likewise, theelectrical connection elements 1212 may be disposed along one or moreportions (or sides) of the static platform 1208. In some examples, theelectrical connection elements 1210 may be configured to electricallycouple with an image 00000sensor and/or another component (e.g., a flipchip, a substrate, etc.) that is coupled to the image sensor.Accordingly, the dynamic platform 1206 may be configured to receivesignals (e.g., image signals) from the image sensor via the electricalconnection elements 1210, and the signals may be conveyed from theelectrical connection elements 1210 of the dynamic platform 1206 to theelectrical connection elements 1212 of the static platform 1208 via oneor more electrical traces 1204 routed along one or more flex circuits1202.

In some embodiments, a flex circuit 1202 may include a first end that isfixed (e.g., via an adhesive) to the dynamic platform 1206, a second endthat is fixed (e.g., via an adhesive) to the static platform 1208, and amiddle portion between the first end and the second end. The second endof the flex circuit 1202 may be opposite the first end of the flexcircuit 1202. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the middle portion ofthe flex circuit 1202 may include an amount of slack that facilitatesrelative movement between the first and second ends of the flex circuit1202. The amount of slack may be determined based at least in part on astiffness of the flexure module 1200. Moreover, in various embodiments,the flex circuits 1202 may include a flexible material. In someembodiments, multiple flex circuits 1202 may be disposed in proximitywith one another to form to a flex circuit array.

In some examples, in addition to routing electrical traces via one ormore flex circuits 1204, the flexure module 1200 may route electricaltraces via the flexures 1214 and/or the flexure stabilizer members 1216,e.g., as described above with reference to FIGS. 11A-11B.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example method 1300 of conveying signals(e.g., image signals) from a dynamic platform of a voice coil motor(VCM) actuator to a static platform of a VCM actuator, in accordancewith some embodiments. At 1302, the method 1300 may include receiving,at the dynamic platform, one or more signals. For instance, the signalsmay be signals produced by an image sensor. At 1304 a, the method 1300may include conveying the signals from the dynamic platform to thestatic platform at least partly via electrical traces routed on/withinone or more flexure arms and/or one or more flexure stabilizer membersof the VCM actuator, e.g., as described above with reference to FIGS.11A-11B. Additionally, or alternatively, at 1304 b, the method 1300 mayinclude conveying the signals from the dynamic platform to the staticplatform at least partly via electrical traces routed on/within one ormore flex circuits of the VCM actuator, e.g., as described above withreference to FIGS. 12A-12B.

Camera Module Reduction with Smaller Flexure Platform and ReconfiguredVCM

Camera module designs may occupy a significant footprint and/or occupy asignificant volume on and/or within an electronic device. Thus, reducinga size of a camera module may provide additional space within anelectronic device without increasing a size of the electronic device. Insome aspects, x-y dimensions of a flexure platform may be reduced toreduce the size of the camera module. The flexure platform dimensionsmay be reduced in a variety of ways including arm count reduction andmaterial additive processes. However, reconfiguration of the VCMarchitecture within the camera module may be needed to accommodate thereduced flexure platform size and reduced camera module size withoutchanging a size of the image sensor and/or the optical assembly tomaintain camera performance.

As described herein, a size of a flexure platform may be reduced usingarm count reduction. For reference, turning back to FIG. 7A (andsimilarly FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B), the flexure platform mayinclude a dynamic platform 704 (e.g., an inner frame) that an imagesensor and OIS circuit board attach to, and a static platform 706 (e.g.,an outer frame) that is attached to a stationary part of the cameramodule, and a flexure 708. The flexure 708 (e.g., the flexure arms)connect the dynamic platform 704 to the static platform 706. The flexure708 suspends the dynamic platform 704 (and image sensor 702 and OIScoils) inside the static platform 706. The flexure 708 provides a signalpath between the static platform 706 and the dynamic platform 704.Signal traces for both the image sensor and the OIS coils are routed onthe dynamic platform 704, along the flexure 708, and on the staticplatform 706. In some aspects, the static platform 706 connects to abase circuit board in a camera module which leads to an externalconnector for the camera module so the camera module can communicatewith the main processor. The OIS control signals, the image sensor data,power signals, and ground signals may be routed on the flexure platformvia the flexure arms. The number of flexure arms may contribute to thewidth of the flexure platform in the x-y directions. By reducing thenumber of flexure arms, the width or x-y dimensions of the flexureplatform may be reduced. It should be understood that reducing thenumber of flexure arms may also restrict the signal paths and affectmechanical suspension of the dynamic platform. As such, the flexure armsmay be made of stiffer and/or thicker material to facilitate mechanicalsuspension (e.g., maintain mechanical suspension) of the dynamicplatform 704. In some aspects, a multi-layer routing design as shown inFIGS. 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E may be used for carrying multiple signalsusing the flexure arms while maintaining the reduced flexure arm countconfiguration. In some aspects, multiple layers for the individualflexure arms may include a plurality of signal trace layers (e.g.,electrical traces 1002 d illustrated in FIG. 10D) for routing electricalsignals between the static platform and the dynamic platform. In someaspects, a quantity of signal trace layers may be at least three for aparticular flexure arm.

Additionally, or alternatively, a size of a flexure platform may bereduced using one or more material additive processes. Material additiveprocesses (e.g., electroforming, electroplating) may be used to reducethe arm pitch of the flexure arms (e.g., reduce a distance betweenflexure arms). By reducing the pitch of the flexure arms, the size ofthe flexure platform in the x-y directions may be reduced. Detailsrelated to material additive processes may be found at least in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 17/399,917 that is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety. It should be understood that while arm countreduction and material additive processes may be implemented to reduce awidth of the flexure platform, one or more other flexure platformreduction techniques may be implemented, alone or combination with armcount reduction and/or material additive processes, to reduce a size ofthe flexure platform.

FIG. 14A illustrates an example flexure platform 1400 according to someaspects. In some aspects, the flexure platform 1400 may not haveutilized one or flexure platform reduction techniques as describedherein. The flexure platform 1400 of FIG. 14A may include one or moresame or similar features as the frames and flexures (e.g., frames andflexures 700) shown in FIGS. 7A, 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B. For example,the flexure platform 1400 may include a dynamic platform 1402, a staticplatform 1404, and flexures 1406. FIG. 14B illustrates an exampleflexure platform 1450 having utilized one or more flexure platformreduction techniques according to some aspects. For example, using oneor more flexure platform reduction techniques, a distance of at leastone dimension of a flexure platform may be reduced by an amount 1430. Insome aspects, the amount 1430 may be 100 μm (e.g., from 200 μm to 100 μmresulting in a 1000 μm total size reduction of the flexure platform).The flexure platform 1450 of FIG. 14B may include one or more same orsimilar features as the frames and flexures (e.g., frames and flexures700) shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 9G, 9H,9I, 9J, 9K, 9L, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 11A,11B, 12A, and 12B. As shown in FIG. 14B, the flexure platform 1450 mayinclude a dynamic platform 1452, a static platform 1454, and flexures1456.

By reducing the flexure platform to the flexure platform 1450illustrated in FIG. 14B, the size of the camera module may be reducedwithout reducing the size of the image sensors and/or the opticsassemblies. However, in some instances, a voice coil motor (VCM)architecture may be too large for a reduced size flexure platform and/ora reduced sized camera module. Thus, an overall size of a voice motorcoil (VCM) architecture may be reduced to accommodate the smallerflexure platform and/or the smaller camera module without reducing thesize of the image sensor and/or the optics assemblies and thusmaintaining performance and packaging of the components. In someaspects, the flexure platform size and the camera module size may not bereduced, but instead a larger image sensor and/or a large opticsassembly may be added. Similarly, an overall size of the VCM (VCM)architecture may be sized to accommodate the larger image sensor and/oroptics assembly without increasing the size of the flexure platformand/or the camera module. With the smaller flexure platform and/orreconfigured VCM, the power consumption of the camera module may also bereduced without compromising performance of the image sensors and/or theoptics assemblies.

FIG. 15A illustrates an example flexure platform 1500 having utilizedone or more flexure platform reduction techniques according to someaspects according to some aspects. The flexure platform 1500 may includeone or more same or similar features and size as the flexure platform1450 illustrated in FIG. 14B. As shown in FIG. 15A, magnets 1502, usedfor a larger flexure platform (e.g., flexure platform 1400 illustratedin FIG. 14A), may be disposed in the corners of the flexure platform1500. Further an image sensor 1504, used for a larger flexure platform(e.g., flexure platform 1400 illustrated in FIG. 14A), may disposed inthe middle of the flexure platform 1500. As shown in FIG. 15A, themagnets 1502 while positioned in the corners of the flexure platform1500 extend beyond the edges of the flexure platform 1500 in order toavoid obstructing the image sensor 1504. Because the magnets 1502 extendbeyond the edge of the flexure platform 1500, the flexure platform 1500may not be useful for reducing the size of a camera module. FIG. 15Billustrates the example substrate 1550 being implemented with a flexureplatform having utilized one or more flexure platform reductiontechniques according to some aspects. The flexure platform used with thesubstrate 1550 may include one or more same or similar features as theflexure platform 1450 of FIG. 14B. The substrate 1550 may be a reducedsize to substrate to accommodate the reduced size flexure platform. Asshown in FIG. 15B, while the magnets 1502 do not extend beyond the edgesof the substrate 1550 (and similarly the flexure platform 1500), themagnets 1502 obstruct the image sensor at sections 1506. Thus, in orderto accommodate a flexure platform 1500 and the substrate 1550 having areduced size without reducing a size of and/or reconfiguration of VCMarchitecture, a size of the image sensor may be reduced which maysacrifice performance of the camera module. The VCM architectureprovided herein may be configured to permit a reduction in size of thecamera module in accordance with a reduced size of the flexure platformwithout reducing a size of the image sensor and/or an optics package tomaintain performance of the camera module. In some aspects and asdescribed herein, a printed circuit board (PCB) 1508 and a positionsensor 1510 (e.g., an AF position sensor) may mounted on the substrate1550.

FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of an example VCM architecture1600 for a reduced size flexure platform and camera module according tosome aspects. In some aspects, the VCM architecture 1600 may include oneor more components of an auto focus voice coil motor assembly and/or anOIS coil assembly for a reduced size camera module and/or flexureplatform. The VCM architecture 1600 of FIG. 16 may include an AF coil1602, magnets 1604 (e.g., stationary magnets), and OIS coils 1606. TheAF coil 1602 may have a rectangular-like shape and may be configured tobe positioned around an optics assembly space. It should be understoodthat while the AF coil 1602 may have a rectangular-like shape, the AFcoil 1602 (and lens carrier to which the AF coil may be attached) mayinclude one or more different shapes (e.g., a square-like shape, acircular-shape, an oval-shape, a triangular-shape, a pentagonal-shape, ahexagonal-shape, a star-like shape, a symmetrical-shape, anasymmetrical-shape, or the like) to accommodate a change (e.g.,reduction) in size of a camera module and/or a flexure platform (e.g.,relative to an optical assembly and/or an image sensor). In someaspects, the AF coil 1664 may also include protrusions 1608 extendingfrom the generally rectangular shape of the AF coil 1602 on one or moresides. The protrusions 1608 may enable an optics assembly to fitcompletely within the AF coil 1602 without the AF coil 1602 obstructingmovement (in the z-direction) of the optics assembly. In some aspects,corresponding portions of the AF coil 1602 and the optics assembly(e.g., a lens carrier) may run parallel to corresponding faces of themagnets 1604. The six magnets 1604 may each have a rectangular-likeshape (e.g., a bar-like shape, bar-shaped) and may be positioned outsidethe AF coil 1602 adjacent the sides of the AF coil 1602. The AF coil1602 may be shaped to accommodate the position of the magnets 1604. Forexample, the magnets 1604 may be moved out of the corners of the cameramodule and positioned adjacent sides of the AF coil 1602 so that themagnet 1604 face in orthogonal directions relative to each other and thesides of the camera module rather than at 45 degree angles relative tothe camera module. In some aspects, rectangular-like shaped magnets 1604having a smaller footprint may occupy less space compared to trapezoidalmagnets to accommodate the reduced size VCM architecture. It should beunderstood that while the magnets 1605 may have a rectangular-like shapeor may be bar-shaped, the magnets 1604 may include one or more differentshapes (e.g., a circular-shape, a trapezoidal-shape, an oval-shape, atriangular-shape, a pentagonal-shape, a hexagonal-shape, anasymmetrical-shape, or the like) to accommodate a change (e.g.,reduction) in size of a camera module and/or a flexure platform (e.g.,relative to an optical assembly and/or an image sensor). In addition, itshould be understood that while FIG. 16 illustrates six magnets, thenumber of magnets may be fewer than six (e.g., five magnets, fourmagnets) or greater than six (e.g., seven magnets, eight magnets). Thenumber of magnets may allow for one or more spaces between magnets on asame side of an AF coil as described herein for locating otherelectronic components such as position sensors (e.g., autofocus positionsensors) therebetween. In some aspects, the magnets 1604 may beorthogonally positioned around the AF coil 1602. For example, as shownin FIG. 16, a magnet 1604 may be positioned on a top perimeter edge anda bottom perimeter edge of the AF coil 1602 and two magnets 1604 may bepositioned on a left perimeter edge and a right perimeter edge of the AFcoil 1602. It should be understood that while magnets 1604 may bepositioned on a top perimeter edge and a bottom perimeter edge of the AFcoil 1602 and on a left perimeter edge and a right perimeter edge of theAF coil 1602, the magnets may be positioned at a variety of differentplaces and configurations to accommodate a change (e.g., reduction) insize of a camera module and/or a flexure platform (e.g., relative to anoptical assembly and/or an image sensor). A space formed between the twomagnets 1604 on the left and right sides of the AF coil 1602 areconfigured to receive the protrusions 1608 so that the AF coil 1602 andthe magnets 1604 avoid obstructing movement of an optics assembly asdescribed herein. The AF coil 1602 and the magnets 1604 may together beconfigured to drive an optical assembly in the z-axis to controlautofocus movement as described herein.

Six OIS coils 1606 may be vertically aligned with and below each of thesix magnets 1604. The OIS coils 1606 may also each have a generallyrectangular-like shape (e.g., a bar-like shape, bar-shaped) occupyingless space compared to, for example, trapezoidal OIS coils toaccommodate a reduced size camera module and a reduced sized flexureplatform as described herein. A space formed between the two OIS coils1606 on the left and right sides adjacent the AF coil 1602 areconfigured to receive the protrusions 1608 so that the OIS coils 1606avoid obstructing movement of an optics assembly as described herein. Insome aspects, the OIS coils 1606 may be coupled to position sensor(e.g., hall sensors) for detecting a position and/or movement of theimage sensor 1704 in the x-y directions. In some aspects, spaces formedbetween to the two OIS coils 1606 on the left and right sides adjacentthe AF coil 1602 may be used for additional circuit boards and/orposition sensors. In some aspects, the OIS coils 1606 may have a singleOIS coil layer or only two OIS coil layers. However, to accommodate thereduced size camera module and/or the reduced size flexure platformwhile maintaining a size of the optical sensor and/or the opticspackage, the OIS coils 1606 may have three or more OIS coil layers. Forexample, in some aspects, one or more of the OIS coils 1606 may havethree OIS coil layers, four OIS coil layers, or more OIS coil layers.Three or more OIS coil layers may allow for a smaller OIS coil footprintwhile minimizing a decrease in effectiveness of the OIS coils 1606.Three or more OIS coil layers may allow for a smaller OIS coil footprintwhile maintaining an effectiveness of the OIS coils 1606. In someaspects, three or more OIS coil layers may allow for a smaller OIS coilfootprint while increasing an effectiveness of the OIS coils 1606.Additionally, or alternatively, three or more OIS coil layers may allowfor the same number of OIS coil turns with a smaller OIS coil footprintor volume to minimizing a decrease (e.g., reduce a decrease, maintain,or increase) in effectiveness of the OIS coils 1606.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example camera module 1700 include an OIS VCMarchitecture according to some aspects. The camera module 1700 mayinclude one or more same or similar features as the features describedwith respect to or illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A,8B, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 9G, 9H, 9I, 9J, 9K, 9L, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D,10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 14B, 15A, 15, and 16.As shown in FIG. 17, six OIS coils 1606 are fixedly attached to asubstrate 1550 (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)) of the cameramodule 1700. The OIS coils may be vertically aligned with and below eachof the six magnets 1604. The OIS coils 1606 may also each have agenerally rectangular-like shape (e.g., a bar-like shape, bar-shaped)occupying less space compared to, for example, trapezoidal OIS coils toaccommodate a reduced size camera module and a reduced sized flexureplatform as described herein. A space formed between the two OIS coils1606 on the left and right sides of the substrate 1550 are configured toavoid obstructing movement of an optics assembly as described herein. Insome aspects, the OIS coils 1606 may include a recess or inner opening1712 configured to receive a position sensor 1710 (e.g., hall sensors)for detecting a position and/or movement of an image sensor in the x-ydirections. In some aspects, spaces formed between the two OIS coils1606 on the left and right sides of the substrate 1550 may be used foradditional circuit boards and/or position sensors. Also attached to thesubstrate 1550 are damping assemblies 1708. The damping assemblies 1708are configured to dampen movement of the OIS coils 1606 in the x-ydirections.

FIG. 18A illustrates an example camera module 1800 including an AF VCMarchitecture according to some aspects. The camera 1800 of FIG. 18A mayinclude one or more same or similar features and one or more same orsimilar sizes (e.g., footprint, volume) as the camera 100 of FIGS. 1 and2, and/or the camera 300 of FIGS. 3, 4, 5. The camera module 1800 ofFIG. 18A may include a camera module perimeter 1802, a suspensionassembly 1806, an optics assembly space 1808 (defined by the circulardotted line) configured to receive an optics assembly (e.g., opticsassembly 102 of FIGS. 1 and 2) as described herein. As shown in FIG.18A, the suspension assembly 1806 may not overlap or obstruct the opticsassembly space 1808 to enable the optics assembly space 1808 to receivean optics assembly. The suspension assembly 1806 of FIG. 18A may be usedfor moveably mounting an optical assembly (e.g., a lens carrier to anactuator base) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In addition, the camera module 1800 may include a damping pin assembly1811 and associated damping structures 1812, an autofocus (AF) coil1814, and a plurality of magnets 1502. Due the position of the magnets1502 in the corners of the camera module 1800, the damping pin assembly1811 may extend across a portion of the camera module perimeter 1802from a side of the camera module 1800, between two corners, and, thus,between two magnets 1502 for pins of the damping assembly 1811 to engagewith the damping structures 1812. The damping structures 1812 mayinclude a gel-like material that is engaged with an optics assembly whenan optics assembly is located in the optics assembly space 1808. Thedamping pin assembly 1811 and associated damping structure 1812 mayprovide damping for AF movement of the optics assembly moving along anoptical axis of the optics assembly (e.g., the z-direction). The AF coil1814 may be positioned around the optics assembly space 1808 and form anoctagonal shape. The four magnets 1502 may each have a trapezoidal shapeand may be positioned outside the AF coil 1814 and in a respectivecorner of the four corners of the camera module 1802. The AF coil 1814and the magnets 1502 may together be configured to drive an opticalassembly in the z-axis to control autofocus movement as describedherein. The camera module 1800 may also include one or more PCBs 1508and one or more position sensors 1510 (e.g., AF position sensors). Itshould be understood that while the AF coil 1814 illustrated in FIG. 18Ais obscured by suspension assembly 1806 and a lens carrier 1813, the AFcoil 1814 extends completely around the optics assembly space 1808. Insome aspects, end stops 1816 may be attached to and/or formed from an AFcarrier and may be positionally aligned with the AF coil 1814. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 18A, the end stops 1816 may be positioned inan octagonal orientation in accordance with the AF coil 1814. Some endstops 1816 may be for limiting x-directional and/or y-directionalmovement of an AF carrier and/or an optics assembly and other end stops1816 may be for limiting z-directional movement of the AF carrier and/oran optics assembly.

FIG. 18B illustrates an example camera module 1850 including an AF VCMarchitecture for a reduced sized camera module and reduced size flexureplatform according to some aspects. The camera module 1850 may includeone or more same or similar features as the features described withrespect to or illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B,9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 9G, 9H, 9I, 9J, 9K, 9L, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E,10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 14B, 15A, 15, and 16. Insome aspects, the camera module 1850 of FIG. 18B may include one or moresame or similar features as the camera 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the camera300 of FIGS. 3, 4, 5, the VCM architecture 1600 illustrated in FIG. 16.For example, the camera module 1850 and a flexure platform of the cameramodule 1850 may have a reduced size and have VCM components with sizesand configurations to accommodate the reduced size of the camera module1850, the flexure platform, and/or to further reduce the size of the VCMarchitecture. The camera module 1850 of FIG. 18B may include a cameramodule perimeter 1852, and a suspension assembly 1856.

The suspension assembly 1856 of FIG. 18B may include one or moresuspension arms that have a thinner and/or shorter configuration thanone or more suspension arms of the suspension assembly 1806 of FIG. 18A.For example, one or more suspension arms may extend from the cameramodule perimeter 1852 and around a portion of the optics assembly space1808 for efficient use of the VCM architecture's reduced space. In someaspects, the one or more suspension arms may extend around theprotrusions 1608 of the AF coil 1602 as described herein. Like thesuspension assembly 1806 of FIG. 18A, the suspension assembly 1856 maynot overlap or obstruct the optics assembly space 1858 to enable theoptics assembly space 1858 to receive an optics assembly. It should beunderstood that the suspension assembly 1856 of FIG. 18B may be used formoveably mounting an optics assembly (e.g., a lens carrier to anactuator base).

The camera module 1850 may include a damping pin assembly 1861 andassociated damping structures 1862, the AF coil 1602, and the magnets1604. The damping pin assembly 1861 may extend across a portion of thecamera module 1850 for pins of the damping assembly 1861 to engage withthe damping structures 1862. The damping pins assembly 1861 may be sizedand configured to accommodate for the spatial constraints of the VCMarchitecture of the camera module 1850. For example, the damping pinassembly 1861 may include a static portion 1861 a extending along a sideof the camera module 1850 proximate a first side of one of thestationary magnets 1604. A first damping arm 1861 b may extend from thestatic portion 1861 a to a first damping structure 1862 at the lenscarrier. A second damping arm 1861 c may extend from the static portion1861 a to a second damping structure 1862 at the lens carrier. The firstdamping arm 1861 b may extend proximate a second side of the one of thestationary magnet 1604, and the second damping arm 1861 c may extendproximate a third side of the one of the stationary magnet 1604 oppositethe second side of the one of the stationary magnets 1604. The dampingstructures 1862 may include a gel-like material that engages an opticsassembly (e.g., a lens carrier) when an optics assembly is located inthe optics assembly space 1808. The damping pin assembly 1861 andassociated damping structure 1862 may provide damping for AF movement ofthe optics assembly moving along an optical axis of the optics assembly(e.g., the z-direction). The camera module 1850 may also include endstop 1864 to dampen and limit the movement of the image sensor in thex-y directions and to dampen and limit the movement of the opticsassembly in the z-direction. In other words, each of the end stops 1864may provide a limit to movement of the AF carrier 1906 (illustrated inFIG. 19) and/or the optics assembly 1902 (illustrated in FIG. 19) in thex, y, and z directions. The end stops 1864 may be attached to and/orformed from the AF carrier 1906. The end stops 1864 may be positionallyaligned along sides of the AF coil 1602 to accommodate a change in sizeand/or configuration of an AF carrier 1906 configured for the sizeand/or configuration of the AF coil 1602. For example, the ends stops1864 may be positioned on two sides of the camera module 1850 facingeach other. In some aspects, a magnet holder 1910 (illustrated in FIG.19) may be configured to hold the magnets 1604 and to accommodate the AFcarrier 1906. For example, the end stop 1864 may attached to the AFcarrier. One or more of the end stop 1864 may be configured to engage anshield can 1904 (illustrated in FIG. 19) while one or more other endsstop 1864 may be configured to engage the magnet holder 1910.

As described herein, the AF coil 1602 may be positioned around theoptics assembly space 1808 and form a shape (e.g., a rectangular-likeshape, a square-like shape) around the perimeter of the optics assemblyspace 1808. In some aspects, the AF coil 1602 may also includeprotrusions 1608 extending from the generally rectangular shape of theAF coil 1602 on one or more sides. The protrusions 1608 may enable theoptics assembly space 1808 to fit completely within the AF coil 1602without the AF coil 1864 obstructing the optics assembly space 1808. Thesix magnets 1606 may each have a rectangular-like shape (e.g., abar-like shape, bar-shaped) and may be positioned outside the AF coil1602 adjacent the sides of the AF coil 1602. The rectangular-like shapedmagnets 1602 may occupy less space compared, for example, to trapezoidalmagnets to accommodate the reduced size camera module 1850. The magnets1604 may be orthogonally positioned around the AF coil 1602. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 18B, a magnet 1604 may be positioned on a topperimeter edge and a bottom perimeter edge of the AF coil 1602 and twomagnets 1604 (e.g., a pair of magnets 1604) may be positioned on a leftperimeter edge or a left side and a right perimeter edge or a right sideof the AF coil 1602. A space formed between the two magnets 1604 on theleft and right sides of the AF coil 1602 are configured to receive theprotrusions 1608 to avoid obstructing the optics assembly space 1808 toreceive an optics assembly as described herein. In some aspects, thespace formed between the two magnets 1604 on the left and right sides ofthe AF coil 1602 are configured to provide the smaller camera module1850 with space to retain the one or more PCBs 1508 and one or moreposition sensors 1510 (e.g., AF position sensors) for detecting aposition and/or movement of an optical assembly in the z direction, asdescribed herein. It should be understood that while the AF coil 1602illustrated in FIG. 18B is obscured by suspension assembly 1856 and thestop constraints 1864, the AF coil 1602 extends completely around theoptics assembly space 1808. The AF coil 1602 and the magnets 1604 maytogether be configured to drive an optical assembly in the z-axis tocontrol autofocus movement as described herein.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded view of components of an example camera1900 having an actuator module or assembly with a reduced size that may,for example, be used to provide autofocus (AF) through optics assemblymovement and/or optical image stabilization (OIS) through image sensormovement in small form factor cameras, according to at least someembodiments. The camera module 1900 may include one or more same orsimilar features as the features described with respect to orillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D,9E, 9F, 9G, 9H, 9I, 9J, 9K, 9L, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H,10I, 10J, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 14B, 15A, 15, 16, 17, and 18B. In someaspects, the camera 1900 of FIG. 19 may include one or more same orsimilar features and one or more same or similar sizes (e.g., footprint,volume) as the flexure platform 1450 of FIG. 14B, the flexure platform1500 of FIGS. 15A and 15B, the VCM architecture 1600 of FIG. 16, thecamera module 1700 of FIG. 17, and/or the camera module 1850 of FIG.18B. In various embodiments, the camera 1900 may include an opticsassembly 1902, a shield can 1904, a lens carrier 1906, the suspensionassembly 1856, a magnet holder 1910, the AF coil 1602, the image sensor1504, the magnets 1604, the damping pin assemblies 1861 and 1708, theOIS coils 1606, a substrate 1550, a flexure platform 1500, an OIS base1928, and an enclosure 1930.

In various examples, the shield can 1904 may be mechanically attached tothe base 1930. The camera 1900 may include an axial motion (AF) voicecoil motor (VCM) (e.g., axial motion VCM discussed herein with referenceto FIGS. 16, 18A, and 18B) and/or a transverse motion (OIS) VCM (e.g.,transverse motion VCM discussed above with reference to FIGS. 16 and17). In some cases, the axial motion VCM may include the optics assembly1902, the magnet holder 1910, the magnets 1604, the lens carrier 1906,and/or the AF coil 1602. Furthermore, the transverse motion VCM mayinclude the OIS coils 1606, the substrate 1550, the flexure platform1500, the OIS base 1928, and the image sensor 1504. In some examples,the axial motion VCM (or a portion thereof) may be connected to theshield can 1904, while the transverse motion VCM (or a portion thereof)may be connected to the enclosure 1930.

In some embodiments, the OIS base 1928 may be connected to a bottomsurface of the enclosure 1930. In some examples, the enclosure 1930 maydefine one or more recesses and/or openings having multiple differentcross-sections. For instance, a lower portion of the enclosure 1930 mayhave may define a recess and/or an opening with a cross-section sized toreceive an OIS to frame. An upper portion of the enclosure 1930 maydefine a recess and/or an opening with a cross-section sized to receivethe flexure platform 1500. The upper portion may have an inner profilecorresponding to the outer profile of the flexure platform 1500. Thismay help to maximize the amount of material included in the enclosure1930 (e.g., for providing structural rigidity to the enclosure 1930)while still providing at least a minimum spacing between the flexureplatform and the enclosure 1930.

In some non-limiting examples, the flexure platform 1500 and the imagesensor 1504 may be separately attached to the OIS frame. For instance, afirst set of one or more electrical traces may be routed between theflexure platform 1500 and the OIS frame. A second, different set of oneor more electrical traces may be routed between the image sensor 1504and the OIS frame. In other embodiments, the image sensor 1504 may beattached to or otherwise integrated into the flexure platform 1500, suchthat the image sensor 1504 is connected to the OIS frame via the flexureplatform.

Multifunction Device Examples

Embodiments of electronic devices, user interfaces for such devices, andassociated processes for using such devices are described. In someembodiments, the device is a portable communications device, such as amobile telephone, that also contains other functions, such as PDA and/ormusic player functions. Other portable electronic devices, such aslaptops, cameras, cell phones, or tablet computers, may also be used. Itshould also be understood that, in some embodiments, the device is not aportable communications device, but is a desktop computer with a camera.In some embodiments, the device is a gaming computer with orientationsensors (e.g., orientation sensors in a gaming controller). In otherembodiments, the device is not a portable communications device, but isa camera.

In the discussion that follows, an electronic device that includes adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface is described. It should beunderstood, however, that the electronic device may include one or moreother physical user-interface devices, such as a physical keyboard, amouse and/or a joystick.

The device typically supports a variety of applications, such as one ormore of the following: a drawing application, a presentationapplication, a word processing application, a website creationapplication, a disk authoring application, a spreadsheet application, agaming application, a telephone application, a video conferencingapplication, an e-mail application, an instant messaging application, aworkout support application, a photo management application, a digitalcamera application, a digital video camera application, a web browsingapplication, a digital music player application, and/or a digital videoplayer application.

The various applications that may be executed on the device may use atleast one common physical user-interface device, such as thetouch-sensitive surface. One or more functions of the touch-sensitivesurface as well as corresponding information displayed on the device maybe adjusted and/or varied from one application to the next and/or withina respective application. In this way, a common physical architecture(such as the touch-sensitive surface) of the device may support thevariety of applications with user interfaces that are intuitive andtransparent to the user.

Attention is now directed toward embodiments of portable devices withcameras. FIG. 20 illustrates a block diagram of an example portablemultifunction device that may include a camera module (e.g., the camerasand assemblies described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-5, 14A, 14B,15A, 15B, 16, 17, 18A, 18B, and 19), in accordance with someembodiments. Camera 2064 is sometimes called an “optical sensor” forconvenience, and may also be known as or called an optical sensorsystem. Device 2000 may include memory 2002 (which may include one ormore computer readable storage mediums), memory controller 2022, one ormore processing units (CPUs) 2020, peripherals interface 2018, RFcircuitry 2008, audio circuitry 2010, speaker 2011, touch-sensitivedisplay system 2012, microphone 2013, input/output (I/O) subsystem 2006,other input or control devices 2016, and external port 2024. Device 2000may include one or more optical sensors 2064. These components maycommunicate over one or more communication buses or signal lines 2003.

It should be appreciated that device 2000 is only one example of aportable multifunction device, and that device 2000 may have more orfewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or mayhave a different configuration or arrangement of the components. Thevarious components shown in FIG. 20 may be implemented in hardware,software, or a combination of hardware and software, including one ormore signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits.

Memory 2002 may include high-speed random access memory and may alsoinclude non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storagedevices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memorydevices. Access to memory 2002 by other components of device 2000, suchas CPU 2020 and the peripherals interface 2018, may be controlled bymemory controller 2022.

Peripherals interface 2018 can be used to couple input and outputperipherals of the device to CPU 2020 and memory 2002. The one or moreprocessors 2020 run or execute various software programs and/or sets ofinstructions stored in memory 2002 to perform various functions fordevice 2000 and to process data.

In some embodiments, peripherals interface 2018, CPU 2020, and memorycontroller 2022 may be implemented on a single chip, such as chip 2004.In some other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips.

RF (radio frequency) circuitry 2008 receives and sends RF signals, alsocalled electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 2008 converts electricalsignals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates withcommunications networks and other communications devices via theelectromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 2008 may include well-knowncircuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited toan antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner,one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, asubscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RFcircuitry 2008 may communicate with networks, such as the Internet, alsoreferred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wirelessnetwork, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local areanetwork (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and otherdevices by wireless communication. The wireless communication may useany of a variety of communications standards, protocols andtechnologies, including but not limited to Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speeddownlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA),wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multipleaccess (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and/orIEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocolfor e-mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or postoffice protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messagingand presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for InstantMessaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messagingand Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service (SMS), or anyother suitable communication protocol, including communication protocolsnot yet developed as of the filing date of this document.

Audio circuitry 2010, speaker 2011, and microphone 2013 provide an audiointerface between a user and device 2000. Audio circuitry 2010 receivesaudio data from peripherals interface 2018, converts the audio data toan electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker2011. Speaker 2011 converts the electrical signal to human-audible soundwaves. Audio circuitry 2010 also receives electrical signals convertedby microphone 2013 from sound waves. Audio circuitry 2010 converts theelectrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data toperipherals interface 2018 for processing. Audio data may be retrievedfrom and/or transmitted to memory 2002 and/or RF circuitry 2008 byperipherals interface 2018. In some embodiments, audio circuitry 2010also includes a headset jack (e.g., 1812, FIG. 18). The headset jackprovides an interface between audio circuitry 2010 and removable audioinput/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a headsetwith both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input(e.g., a microphone).

I/O subsystem 2006 couples input/output peripherals on device 2000, suchas touch screen 2012 and other input control devices 2016, toperipherals interface 2018. I/O subsystem 2006 may include displaycontroller 2056 and one or more input controllers 2060 for other inputor control devices. The one or more input controllers 2060 receive/sendelectrical signals from/to other input or control devices 2016. Theother input control devices 2016 may include physical buttons (e.g.,push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks,click wheels, and so forth. In some alternate embodiments, inputcontroller(s) 2060 may be coupled to any (or none) of the following: akeyboard, infrared port, USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse.The one or more buttons (e.g., 1808, FIG. 18) may include an up/downbutton for volume control of speaker 2011 and/or microphone 2013. Theone or more buttons may include a push button (e.g., 1806, FIG. 18).

Touch-sensitive display 2012 provides an input interface and an outputinterface between the device and a user. Display controller 2056receives and/or sends electrical signals from/to touch screen 2012.Touch screen 2012 displays visual output to the user. The visual outputmay include graphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof(collectively termed “graphics”). In some embodiments, some or all ofthe visual output may correspond to user-interface objects.

Touch screen 2012 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or set ofsensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic and/or tactilecontact. Touch screen 2012 and display controller 2056 (along with anyassociated modules and/or sets of instructions in memory 2002) detectcontact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on touch screen2012 and converts the detected contact into interaction withuser-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages orimages) that are displayed on touch screen 2012. In an exampleembodiment, a point of contact between touch screen 2012 and the usercorresponds to a finger of the user.

Touch screen 2012 may use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, LPD(light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED (light emittingdiode) technology, although other display technologies may be used inother embodiments. Touch screen 2012 and display controller 2056 maydetect contact and any movement or breaking thereof using any of avariety of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed,including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, andsurface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensorarrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contactwith touch screen 2012. In an example embodiment, projected mutualcapacitance sensing technology is used.

Touch screen 2012 may have a video resolution in excess of 800 dpi. Insome embodiments, the touch screen has a video resolution ofapproximately 860 dpi. The user may make contact with touch screen 2012using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, a finger, andso forth. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to workprimarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which can be lessprecise than stylus-based input due to the larger area of contact of afinger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the device translatesthe rough finger-based input into a precise pointer/cursor position orcommand for performing the actions desired by the user.

In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, device 2000 mayinclude a touchpad (not shown) for activating or deactivating particularfunctions. In some embodiments, the touchpad is a touch-sensitive areaof the device that, unlike the touch screen, does not display visualoutput. The touchpad may be a touch-sensitive surface that is separatefrom touch screen 2012 or an extension of the touch-sensitive surfaceformed by the touch screen.

Device 2000 also includes power system 2062 for powering the variouscomponents. Power system 2062 may include a power management system, oneor more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), arecharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a power converteror inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode(LED)) and any other components associated with the generation,management and distribution of power in portable devices.

Device 2000 may also include one or more optical sensors or cameras2064. FIG. 20 shows an optical sensor 2064 coupled to optical sensorcontroller 2058 in I/O subsystem 2006. Optical sensor 2064 may includecharge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor(CMOS) phototransistors. Optical sensor 2064 receives light from theenvironment, projected through one or more lens, and converts the lightto data representing an image. In conjunction with imaging module 2043(also called a camera module), optical sensor 2064 may capture stillimages or video. In some embodiments, an optical sensor 2064 is locatedon the back of device 2000, opposite touch screen display 2012 on thefront of the device, so that the touch screen display 2012 may be usedas a viewfinder for still and/or video image acquisition. In someembodiments, another optical sensor is located on the front of thedevice so that the user's image may be obtained for videoconferencingwhile the user views the other video conference participants on thetouch screen display.

Device 2000 may also include one or more proximity sensors 2066. FIG. 20shows proximity sensor 2066 coupled to peripherals interface 2018.Alternately, proximity sensor 2066 may be coupled to input controller2060 in I/O subsystem 2006. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor2066 turns off and disables touch screen 2012 when the multifunctiondevice 2000 is placed near the user's ear (e.g., when the user is makinga phone call).

Device 2000 includes one or more orientation sensors 2068. In someembodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 2068 include one ormore accelerometers (e.g., one or more linear accelerometers and/or oneor more rotational accelerometers). In some embodiments, the one or moreorientation sensors 2068 include one or more gyroscopes. In someembodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 2068 include one ormore magnetometers. In some embodiments, the one or more orientationsensors 2068 include one or more of global positioning system (GPS),Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and/or other globalnavigation system receivers. The GPS, GLONASS, and/or other globalnavigation system receivers may be used for obtaining informationconcerning the location and orientation (e.g., portrait or landscape) ofdevice 2000. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors2068 include any combination of orientation/rotation sensors. FIG. 20shows the one or more orientation sensors 2068 coupled to peripheralsinterface 2018. Alternately, the one or more orientation sensors 2068may be coupled to an input controller 2060 in I/O subsystem 2006. Insome embodiments, information is displayed on the touch screen display2012 in a portrait view or a landscape view based on an analysis of datareceived from the one or more orientation sensors 2068.

In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory 2002include operating system 2026, communication module (or set ofinstructions) 2028, contact/motion module (or set of instructions) 2030,graphics module (or set of instructions) 2032, text input module (or setof instructions) 2034, Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set ofinstructions) 2035, arbiter module 2058 and applications (or sets ofinstructions) 2036. Furthermore, in some embodiments memory 2002 storesdevice/global internal state 2057. Device/global internal state 2057includes one or more of: active application state, indicating whichapplications, if any, are currently active; display state, indicatingwhat applications, views or other information occupy various regions oftouch screen display 2012; sensor state, including information obtainedfrom the device's various sensors and input control devices 2016; andlocation information concerning the device's location and/or attitude.

Operating system 2026 (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS,or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includes varioussoftware components and/or drivers for controlling and managing generalsystem tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, powermanagement, etc.) and facilitates communication between various hardwareand software components.

Communication module 2028 facilitates communication with other devicesover one or more external ports 2024 and also includes various softwarecomponents for handling data received by RF circuitry 2008 and/orexternal port 2024. External port 2024 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus(USB), FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devicesor indirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.).In some embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin)connector.

Contact/motion module 2030 may detect contact with touch screen 2012 (inconjunction with display controller 2056) and other touch sensitivedevices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel). Contact/motionmodule 2030 includes various software components for performing variousoperations related to detection of contact, such as determining ifcontact has occurred (e.g., detecting a finger-down event), determiningif there is movement of the contact and tracking the movement across thetouch-sensitive surface (e.g., detecting one or more finger-draggingevents), and determining if the contact has ceased (e.g., detecting afinger-up event or a break in contact). Contact/motion module 2030receives contact data from the touch-sensitive surface. Determiningmovement of the point of contact, which is represented by a series ofcontact data, may include determining speed (magnitude), velocity(magnitude and direction), and/or an acceleration (a change in magnitudeand/or direction) of the point of contact. These operations may beapplied to single contacts (e.g., one finger contacts) or to multiplesimultaneous contacts (e.g., “multitouch”/multiple finger contacts). Insome embodiments, contact/motion module 2030 and display controller 2056detect contact on a touchpad.

Contact/motion module 2030 may detect a gesture input by a user.Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have different contactpatterns. Thus, a gesture may be detected by detecting a particularcontact pattern. For example, detecting a finger tap gesture includesdetecting a finger-down event followed by detecting a finger-up (liftoff) event at the same position (or substantially the same position) asthe finger-down event (e.g., at the position of an icon). As anotherexample, detecting a finger swipe gesture on the touch-sensitive surfaceincludes detecting a finger-down event followed by detecting one or morefinger-dragging events, and subsequently followed by detecting afinger-up (lift off) event.

Graphics module 2032 includes various known software components forrendering and displaying graphics on touch screen 2012 or other display,including components for changing the intensity of graphics that aredisplayed. As used herein, the term “graphics” includes any object thatcan be displayed to a user, including without limitation text, webpages, icons (such as user-interface objects including soft keys),digital images, videos, animations and the like.

In some embodiments, graphics module 2032 stores data representinggraphics to be used. Each graphic may be assigned a corresponding code.Graphics module 2032 receives, from applications etc., one or more codesspecifying graphics to be displayed along with, if necessary, coordinatedata and other graphic property data, and then generates screen imagedata to output to to display controller 2056.

Text input module 2034, which may be a component of graphics module2032, provides soft keyboards for entering text in various applications(e.g., contacts 2037, e-mail 2040, IM 2041, browser 2047, and any otherapplication that needs text input).

GPS module 2035 determines the location of the device and provides thisinformation for use in various applications (e.g., to telephone 2038 foruse in location-based dialing, to camera 2043 as picture/video metadata,and to applications that provide location-based services such as weatherwidgets, local yellow page widgets, and map/navigation widgets).

Applications 2036 may include the following modules (or sets ofinstructions), or a subset or superset thereof:

contacts module (sometimes called an address book or contact list);

telephone module;

video conferencing module;

e-mail client module;

instant messaging (IM) module;

workout support module;

camera module for still and/or video images;

image management module;

browser module;

calendar module;

widget modules, which may include one or more of: weather widget, stockswidget, calculator widget, alarm clock widget, dictionary widget, andother widgets obtained by the user, as well as user-created widgets;

widget creator module for making user-created widgets;

search module;

video and music player module, which may be made up of a video player

module and a music player module;

notes module;

map module; and/or

online video module.

Examples of other applications 2036 that may be stored in memory 2002include other word processing applications, other image editingapplications, drawing applications, presentation applications,JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voicerecognition, and voice replication.

Each of the above identified modules and applications correspond to aset of executable instructions for performing one or more functionsdescribed above and the methods described in this application (e.g., thecomputer-implemented methods and other information processing methodsdescribed herein). These modules (i.e., sets of instructions) need notbe implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, andthus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwisere-arranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory 2002 maystore a subset of the modules and data structures identified above.Furthermore, memory 2002 may store additional modules and datastructures not described above.

In some embodiments, device 2000 is a device where operation of apredefined set of functions on the device is performed exclusivelythrough a touch screen and/or a touchpad. By using a touch screen and/ora touchpad as the primary input control device for operation of device2000, the number of physical input control devices (such as pushbuttons, dials, and the like) on device 2000 may be reduced.

The predefined set of functions that may be performed exclusivelythrough a touch screen and/or a touchpad include navigation between userinterfaces. In some embodiments, the touchpad, when touched by the user,navigates device 2000 to a main, home, or root menu from any userinterface that may be displayed on device 2000. In such embodiments, thetouchpad may be referred to as a “menu button.” In some otherembodiments, the menu button may be a physical push button or otherphysical input control device instead of a touchpad.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example portable multifunction device 2400 thatmay include a camera module (e.g., the cameras and assemblies describedherein with reference to FIGS. 1-5, 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, 16, 17, 18A,18B, 19, and 20), in accordance with some embodiments. The device 2000may include a touch screen 2012. The touch screen 2012 may display oneor more graphics within user interface (UI) 2100. In this embodiment, aswell as others described below, a user may select one or more of thegraphics by making a gesture on the graphics, for example, with one ormore fingers 2102 (not drawn to scale in the figure) or one or morestyluses (not shown).

Device 2000 may also include one or more physical buttons, such as“home” or menu button 2104. As described previously, menu button 2104may be used to navigate to any application 2036 in a set of applicationsthat may be executed on device 2100. Alternatively, in some embodiments,the menu button 2104 is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed ontouch screen 2012.

In one embodiment, device 2100 includes touch screen 2012, menu button2104, push button 2106 for powering the device on/off and locking thedevice, volume adjustment button(s) 2108, Subscriber Identity Module(SIM) card slot 2110, head set jack 2112, and docking/charging externalport 2124. Push button 2106 may be used to turn the power on/off on thedevice by depressing the button and holding the button in the depressedstate for a predefined time interval; to lock the device by depressingthe button and releasing the button before the predefined time intervalhas elapsed; and/or to unlock the device or initiate an unlock process.In an alternative embodiment, device 2100 also may accept verbal inputfor activation or deactivation of some functions through microphone2013.

It should be noted that, although many of the examples herein are givenwith reference to optical sensor/camera 2064 (on the front of a device),a rear-facing camera or optical sensor that is pointed opposite from thedisplay may be used instead of or in addition to an opticalsensor/camera 2064 on the front of a device.

Example Computer System

FIG. 22 illustrates an example computer system 2200 that may include acamera module (e.g., the cameras and assemblies described herein withreference to FIGS. 1-5, 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, 16, 17, 18A, 18B, 19, 20,and 21), in accordance with some embodiments. The computer system 2200may be configured to execute any or all of the embodiments describedabove. In different embodiments, computer system 2200 may be any ofvarious types of devices, including, but not limited to, a personalcomputer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, slate, pad,or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer,workstation, network computer, a camera, a set top box, a mobile device,a consumer device, video game console, handheld video game device,application server, storage device, a television, a video recordingdevice, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, or ingeneral any type of computing or electronic device.

Various embodiments of a camera motion control system as describedherein, including embodiments of magnetic position sensing, as describedherein may be executed in one or more computer systems 2200, which mayinteract with various other devices. Note that any component, action, orfunctionality described above with respect to FIGS. 1-21 may beimplemented on one or more computers configured as computer system 2200of FIG. 22, according to various embodiments. In the illustratedembodiment, computer system 2200 includes one or more processors 2210coupled to a system memory 2220 via an input/output (I/O) interface2230. Computer system 2200 further includes a network interface 2240coupled to I/O interface 2230, and one or more input/output devices2250, such as cursor control device 2260, keyboard 2270, and display(s)2280. In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may beimplemented using a single instance of computer system 2200, while inother embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making upcomputer system 2200, may be configured to host different portions orinstances of embodiments. For example, in one embodiment some elementsmay be implemented via one or more nodes of computer system 2200 thatare distinct from those nodes implementing other elements.

In various embodiments, computer system 2200 may be a uniprocessorsystem including one processor 2210, or a multiprocessor systemincluding several processors 2210 (e.g., two, four, eight, or anothersuitable number). Processors 2210 may be any suitable processor capableof executing instructions. For example, in various embodimentsprocessors 2210 may be general-purpose or embedded processorsimplementing any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs),such as the ×86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitableISA. In multiprocessor systems, each of processors 2210 may commonly,but not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

System memory 2220 may be configured to store camera control programinstructions 2222 and/or camera control data accessible by processor2210. In various embodiments, system memory 2220 may be implementedusing any suitable memory technology, such as static random accessmemory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-typememory, or any other type of memory. In the illustrated embodiment,program instructions 2222 may be configured to implement a lens controlapplication 2224 incorporating any of the functionality described above.Additionally, existing camera control data 2232 of memory 2220 mayinclude any of the information or data structures described above. Insome embodiments, program instructions and/or data may be received, sentor stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or onsimilar media separate from system memory 2220 or computer system 2200.While computer system 2200 is described as implementing thefunctionality of functional blocks of previous Figures, any of thefunctionality described herein may be implemented via such a computersystem.

In one embodiment, I/O interface 2230 may be configured to coordinateI/O traffic between processor 2210, system memory 2220, and anyperipheral devices in the device, including network interface 2240 orother peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices 2250. In someembodiments, I/O interface 2230 may perform any necessary protocol,timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from onecomponent (e.g., system memory 2220) into a format suitable for use byanother component (e.g., processor 2210). In some embodiments, I/Ointerface 2230 may include support for devices attached through varioustypes of peripheral buses, such as a variant of the Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB)standard, for example. In some embodiments, the function of I/Ointerface 2230 may be split into two or more separate components, suchas a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. Also, in someembodiments some or all of the functionality of I/O interface 2230, suchas an interface to system memory 2220, may be incorporated directly intoprocessor 2210.

Network interface 2240 may be configured to allow data to be exchangedbetween computer system 2200 and other devices attached to a network2285 (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computersystem 2200. Network 2285 may in various embodiments include one or morenetworks including but not limited to Local Area Networks (LANs) (e.g.,an Ethernet or corporate network), Wide Area Networks (WANs) (e.g., theInternet), wireless data networks, some other electronic data network,or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, network interface2240 may support communication via wired or wireless general datanetworks, such as any suitable type of Ethernet network, for example;via telecommunications/telephony networks such as analog voice networksor digital fiber communications networks; via storage area networks suchas Fibre Channel SANs, or via any other suitable type of network and/orprotocol.

Input/output devices 2250 may, in some embodiments, include one or moredisplay terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices,voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable forentering or accessing data by one or more computer systems 2200.Multiple input/output devices 2250 may be present in computer system2200 or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system 2200. Insome embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate fromcomputer system 2200 and may interact with one or more nodes of computersystem 2200 through a wired or wireless connection, such as over networkinterface 2240.

As shown in FIG. 22, memory 2220 may include program instructions 2222,which may be processor-executable to implement any element or actiondescribed above. In one embodiment, the program instructions mayimplement the methods described above. In other embodiments, differentelements and data may be included. Note that data may include any dataor information described above.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system 2200 ismerely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope ofembodiments. In particular, the computer system and devices may includeany combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicatedfunctions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances,PDAs, wireless phones, pagers, etc. Computer system 2200 may also beconnected to other devices that are not illustrated, or instead mayoperate as a stand-alone system. In addition, the functionality providedby the illustrated components may in some embodiments be combined infewer components or distributed in additional components. Similarly, insome embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustratedcomponents may not be provided and/or other additional functionality maybe available.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that, while various itemsare illustrated as being stored in memory or on storage while beingused, these items or portions of them may be transferred between memoryand other storage devices for purposes of memory management and dataintegrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments some or all of thesoftware components may execute in memory on another device andcommunicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computercommunication. Some or all of the system components or data structuresmay also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on acomputer-accessible medium or a portable article to be read by anappropriate drive, various examples of which are described above. Insome embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible mediumseparate from computer system 2400 may be transmitted to computer system2400 via transmission media or signals such as electrical,electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication mediumsuch as a network and/or a wireless link. Various embodiments mayfurther include receiving, sending or storing instructions and/or dataimplemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon acomputer-accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessiblemedium may include a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium ormemory medium such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk orDVD/CD-ROM, volatile or non-volatile media such as RAM (e.g. SDRAM, DDR,RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessiblemedium may include transmission media or signals such as electrical,electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication mediumsuch as network and/or a wireless link.

The methods described herein may be implemented in software, hardware,or a combination thereof, in different embodiments. In addition, theorder of the blocks of the methods may be changed, and various elementsmay be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Variousmodifications and changes may be made as would be obvious to a personskilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The variousembodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative and notlimiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvementsare possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided forcomponents described herein as a single instance. Boundaries betweenvarious components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary,and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specificillustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality areenvisioned and may fall within the scope of claims that follow. Finally,structures and functionality presented as discrete components in theexample configurations may be implemented as a combined structure orcomponent. These and other variations, modifications, additions, andimprovements may fall within the scope of embodiments as defined in theclaims that follow.

Additional descriptions of embodiments:

CLAUSE 1: A camera, comprising:

-   -   a lens in a lens carrier;    -   an image sensor for capturing a digital representation of light        transiting the lens;    -   an axial motion voice coil motor for focusing light from the        lens on the image sensor by moving a lens assembly containing        the lens along an optical axis of the lens, wherein        -   the axial motion voice coil motor comprises            -   a suspension assembly for moveably mounting the lens                carrier to an actuator base,            -   a plurality of shared magnets mounted to the actuator                base, and            -   a focusing coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier and                mounted to the actuator base through the suspension                assembly; and    -   a transverse motion voice coil motor, wherein        -   the transverse motion voice coil motor comprises            -   an image sensor frame member,            -   one or more flexible members for mechanically connecting                the image sensor frame member to a frame of the                transverse motion voice coil motor, and            -   a plurality of transverse motion coils mounted to the                image sensor frame member within the magnetic fields of                the shared magnets, for producing forces for moving the                image sensor frame member in a plurality of directions                orthogonal to the optical axis.                CLAUSE 2: The camera of clause 1, wherein    -   the flexible members mechanically and electrically connect an        image sensor resting in the image sensor carrier to a frame of        the transverse motion voice coil motor, and    -   the flexible members include electrical signal traces.        CLAUSE 3: The camera of any of clauses 1-2, wherein    -   the flexible members comprise metal flexure bodies carrying        electrical signal traces electrically isolated from the metal        flexure bodies by polymide insulator layers.        CLAUSE 4: The camera of any of clauses 1-3, wherein    -   the transverse motion coils are mounted on a flexible printed        circuit carrying power to the transverse motion coils for        operation of the transverse motion voice coil motor.        CLAUSE 5: The camera of any of clauses 1-4, wherein    -   the optical image stabilization coils are corner-mounted on a        flexible printed circuit mechanically connected to the actuator        base and mechanically isolated from the autofocus voice coil        motor.        CLAUSE 6: The camera of any of clauses 1-5, wherein    -   a bearing surface end stop is mounted to the base for        restricting motion of the optical image stabilization voice coil        motor.        CLAUSE 7: The camera of any of clauses 1-6, wherein    -   a bearing surface end stop is mounted to the actuator base for        restricting motion of the image sensor along the optical axis.        CLAUSE 8: The camera of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the        transverse motion voice control motor further includes:    -   one or more flexure stabilizer members configured to        mechanically connect flexible members of the one or more        flexible members to each other such that the one or more flexure        stabilizer members prevent interference between the flexible        members.        CLAUSE 9: The camera of clause 8, wherein:    -   the flexible members include a first flexible member and a        second flexible member that are parallel to each other; and    -   the one or more flexure stabilizer members include a flexure        stabilizer member that connects the first flexure arm to the        second flexure arm and extends along an axis that is orthogonal        to the first flexure arm and the second flexure arm.        CLAUSE 10: A camera actuator, comprising:    -   an actuator base;    -   an autofocus voice coil motor, wherein        -   the autofocus voice coil motor comprises            -   a lens carrier moveably mounted to the actuator base,            -   a plurality of shared magnets mounted to the base,            -   an autofocus coil fixedly mounted to the lens for                producing forces in a direction of an optical axis of                one or more lenses of the lens carrier; and    -   an optical image stabilization voice coil motor, wherein        -   the optical image stabilization voice coil motor comprises            -   an image sensor carrier moveably mounted to the actuator                base, and            -   a plurality of optical image stabilization coils mounted                to the image sensor carrier within the magnetic fields                of the shared magnets, for producing forces for moving                the image sensor carrier in a plurality of directions                orthogonal to the optical axis.                CLAUSE 11: The camera actuator of clause 10, wherein    -   the image sensor carrier further comprises one or more flexible        members for mechanically connecting an image sensor resting in        the image sensor carrier to a frame of the optical image        stabilization voice coil motor.        CLAUSE 12: The camera actuator of any of clauses 10-11, wherein    -   the image sensor carrier further comprises one or more flexible        members for mechanically and electrically connecting an image        sensor resting in the image sensor carrier to a frame of the        optical image stabilization voice coil motor, and    -   the flexible members include electrical signal traces.        CLAUSE 13: The camera actuator of any of clauses 10-12, wherein    -   the image sensor carrier further comprises one or more flexible        members for mechanically and electrically connecting an image        sensor resting in the image sensor carrier to a frame of the        optical image stabilization voice coil motor, and    -   the flexible members comprise metal flexure bodies carrying        electrical signal traces electrically isolated from the metal        flexure bodies by polymide insulator layers.        CLAUSE 14: The camera actuator of any of clauses 10-13, wherein    -   the optical image stabilization coils are mounted on a flexible        printed circuit carrying power to the coils for operation of the        optical image stabilization voice coil motor.        CLAUSE 18: The camera actuator of any of clauses 10-14, wherein    -   the optical image stabilization coils are corner-mounted on a        flexible printed circuit mechanically connected to the actuator        base and mechanically isolated from the autofocus voice coil        motor.        CLAUSE 16: The camera actuator of any of clauses 10-15, wherein    -   a bearing surface end stop is mounted to the base for        restricting motion of the optical image stabilization voice coil        motor.        CLAUSE 17: A mobile multifunction device, comprising:    -   a camera module, including:        -   a lens including one or more lens elements that define an            optical axis;        -   an image sensor configured to capture light passing through            the lens and convert the captured light into image signals;        -   a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, including:            -   an inner frame coupled to the image sensor and                configured to receive the image signals;            -   an outer frame that surrounds the inner frame along a                plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis; and            -   multiple spring arms configured to mechanically connect                the inner frame to the outer frame; and        -   electrical traces configured to convey the image signals            from the inner frame to the outer frame;    -   a display; and    -   one or more processors configured to:        -   cause the VCM actuator to move the first frame relative to            the second frame in a plurality of directions orthogonal to            the optical axis; and        -   cause the display to present an image based at least in part            on one or more of the image signals that have been conveyed            from the inner frame to the outer frame via the electrical            traces.            CLAUSE 18: The mobile multifunction device of clause 17,            wherein the VCM actuator further includes:    -   one or more flexure stabilizer members configured to        mechanically connect spring arms of the multiple spring arms        such that the flexure stabilizer member limits motion of the        spring arms along the plane that is orthogonal to the optical        axis.        CLAUSE 19: The mobile multifunction device of clause 18,        wherein:    -   the multiple spring arms include:        -   a first array of spring arms that are parallel to each            other; and        -   a second array of spring arms that are parallel to each            other, wherein the second array of spring arms is not            parallel to the first array of spring arms; and    -   the one or more flexure stabilizer members include:        -   a first set of one or more flexure stabilizer members that            connect the first array of spring arms to each other along a            first axis that is orthogonal to the optical axis; and        -   a second set of one or more flexure stabilizer members that            connect the second array of spring arms to each other along            a second axis that is orthogonal to the optical axis.            CLAUSE 21: The mobile multifunction device of any of clauses            17-19, wherein at least a portion of the electrical traces            are routed from the inner frame to the outer frame via one            or more spring arms of the multiple spring arms.            CLAUSE 21: A camera, comprising:    -   a lens including one or more lens elements that define an        optical axis;    -   an image sensor configured to capture light passing through the        lens and convert the captured light into image signals; and    -   a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, including:        -   a first frame coupled to the image sensor such that:            -   the image sensor moves together with the first frame;                and            -   the first frame receives the image signals;        -   a second frame;        -   multiple flexure arms configured to mechanically connect the            first frame to the second frame; and        -   one or more flexure stabilizer members configured to            mechanically connect flexure arms of the multiple flexure            arms to each other such that the one or more flexure            stabilizer members prevent interference between the flexure            arms;        -   wherein the VCM actuator is configured to move the first            frame such that the image sensor moves relative to the            second frame in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the            optical axis.            CLAUSE 22: The camera of clause 21, wherein:    -   the flexure arms include a first flexure arm and a second        flexure arm that are parallel to each other;    -   the one or more flexure stabilizer members include a flexure        stabilizer member that connects the first flexure arm to the        second flexure arm and extends along an axis that is orthogonal        to the first flexure arm and the second flexure arm.        CLAUSE 23: The camera of any of clauses 21-22, further        comprising:    -   a flex circuit, including:        -   a first end fixed to the first frame; and        -   a second end fixed to the second frame;    -   one or more electrical traces configured to convey the image        signals from the first frame to the second frame, wherein at        least a portion of the one or more electrical traces is routed        from the first frame to the second frame via the flex circuit.        CLAUSE 24: The camera of any of clauses 21-23, further        comprising:    -   one or more electrical traces configured to convey the image        signals from the first frame to the second frame, wherein at        least a portion of the one or more electrical traces is routed        from the first frame to the second frame via one or more flexure        arms of the multiple flexure arms.        CLAUSE 25: The camera of clause 24, wherein:    -   the flexure arms include a first flexure arm and a second        flexure arm;    -   the one or more flexure stabilizer members include a flexure        stabilizer member that connects the first flexure arm to the        second flexure arm; and    -   the at least a portion of the one or more electrical traces is        further routed from the first flexure arm to the second flexure        arm via the flexure stabilizer member.        CLAUSE 26: The camera of any of clauses 21-25, further        comprising:    -   a flex circuit, including:        -   a first end fixed to the first frame; and        -   a second end fixed to the second frame;    -   electrical traces configured to convey the image signals from        the first frame to the second frame, wherein:        -   the electrical traces include a first set of one or more            electrical traces and a second set of one or more electrical            traces;        -   at least a portion of the first set of one or more            electrical traces is routed from the first frame to the            second frame via the flex circuit; and        -   at least a portion of the second set of one or more            electrical traces is routed from the first frame to the            second frame via a flexure arm of the multiple flexure arms.            CLAUSE 27: The camera of any of clauses 21-26, wherein:    -   the first frame includes:        -   a first portion that extends along a plane that is            orthogonal to the optical axis;        -   a second portion that extends along the plane; and        -   a bend portion that extends along the plane and connects the            first portion to the second portion;    -   the multiple flexure arms include respective flexure arms that        each include:        -   a respective first portion that is parallel to the first            portion of the first frame;        -   a respective second portion that is parallel to the second            portion of the first frame; and        -   a respective bend portion that connects the respective first            portion to the respective second portion.            CLAUSE 28: The camera of clause 27, wherein:    -   the one or more flexure stabilizer members include a flexure        stabilizer member that connects the respective flexure arms to        each other along an axis that is orthogonal to the respective        bend portions of the respective flexure arms.        CLAUSE 29: A voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, comprising:    -   one or more actuator magnets;    -   one or more actuator coils;    -   a dynamic platform configured to be coupled to an image sensor        of a camera;    -   a static platform configured to be static relative to the        dynamic platform;    -   multiple spring arms configured to mechanically connect the        dynamic platform to the static platform, the multiple spring        arms including a first spring arm and a second spring arm; and    -   one or more flexure stabilizer members, including a flexure        stabilizer member configured to mechanically connect the first        spring arm to the second spring arm such that the flexure        stabilizer member stabilizes relative motion between the first        spring arm and the second spring arm along a plane that is        orthogonal to the optical axis;    -   wherein the one or more actuator magnets and the one or more        actuator coils are configured to magnetically interact to move        the dynamic platform relative to the static platform in a        plurality of directions orthogonal to an optical axis defined by        one or more lenses of the camera.        CLAUSE 30: The VCM actuator of clause 29, wherein:    -   the dynamic platform is further configured to receive image        signals;    -   the VCM actuator further includes:        -   a flex circuit, including:            -   a first end connected to the first frame;            -   a second end connected to the second frame; and            -   a middle portion between the first end and the second                end;    -   the flex circuit includes electrical traces configured to convey        the image signals from the dynamic platform to the static        platform; and    -   the middle portion of the flex circuit includes an amount of        slack that facilitates relative movement between the first end        of the flex circuit and the second end of the flex circuit.        CLAUSE 31: The VCM actuator of any of clauses 29-30, wherein:    -   the dynamic platform is further configured to receive image        signals;    -   the VCM actuator further includes:        -   a first flex circuit, including:            -   a first end connected to a first side of the first                frame; and            -   a second end connected to a first side of the second                frame;        -   a second flex circuit, including:            -   a first end connected to a second side of the first                frame that is different than the first side of the first                frame;            -   a second end connected to a second side of the second                frame that is different than the second side of the                second frame;    -   each of the first flex circuit and the second flex circuit        includes electrical traces configured to convey the image        signals from the dynamic platform to the static platform.        CLAUSE 32: The VCM actuator of any of clauses 29-31, wherein:    -   the dynamic platform is further configured to receive image        signals; and    -   the first spring arm and the second spring arm each include one        or more electrical traces that are configured to convey one or        more of the image signals from the dynamic platform to the        static platform.        CLAUSE 33: The VCM actuator of clause 32, wherein:    -   the one or more electrical traces include:        -   a first electrical trace routed along a first side of the            first spring arm; and        -   a second electrical trace routed along a second side of the            first spring arm that is opposite the first side of the            first spring arm.            CLAUSE 34: The VCM actuator of any of clauses 29-33,            wherein:    -   the multiple spring arms and the one or more flexure stabilizer        members are integrally formed.        CLAUSE 35: A mobile multifunction device, comprising:    -   a camera module, including:        -   a lens including one or more lens elements that define an            optical axis;        -   an image sensor configured to capture light passing through            the lens and convert the captured light into image signals;        -   a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator, including:            -   an inner frame coupled to the image sensor and                configured to receive the image signals;            -   an outer frame that surrounds the inner frame along a                plane that is orthogonal to the optical axis;            -   multiple spring arms configured to mechanically connect                the inner frame to the outer frame; and            -   one or more flexure stabilizer members configured to                mechanically connect spring arms of the multiple spring                arms such that the flexure stabilizer member limits                motion of the spring arms along the plane that is                orthogonal to the optical axis; and        -   electrical traces configured to convey the image signals            from the inner frame to the outer frame;    -   a display; and    -   one or more processors configured to:        -   cause the transverse motion VCM actuator to move the first            frame relative to the second frame in a plurality of            directions orthogonal to the optical axis; and        -   cause the display to present an image based at least in part            on one or more of the image signals that have been conveyed            from the inner frame to the outer frame via the electrical            traces.            CLAUSE 36: The mobile multifunction device of clause 35,            wherein:    -   the multiple spring arms include:        -   a first array of spring arms that are parallel to each            other; and        -   a second array of spring arms that are parallel to each            other, wherein the second array of spring arms is not            parallel to the first array of spring arms; and    -   the one or more flexure stabilizer members include:        -   a first set of one or more flexure stabilizer members that            connect the first array of spring arms to each other along a            first axis that is orthogonal to the optical axis; and        -   a second set of one or more flexure stabilizer members that            connect the second array of spring arms to each other along            a second axis that is orthogonal to the optical axis.            CLAUSE 37: The mobile multifunction device of clause 36,            wherein:    -   the inner frame defines a periphery that is orthogonal to the        optical axis;    -   a first portion of the periphery is recessed or extruded        relative to a second portion of the periphery that is adjacent        to the first portion; and    -   the first array of spring arms are connected to the inner frame        at the first portion of the periphery.        CLAUSE 38: The mobile multifunction device of clause 36,        wherein:    -   the first array of spring arms includes:        -   multiple straight portions that individually extend along a            respective axis that is orthogonal to the optical axis, the            multiple straight portions including a first straight            portion and a second straight portion; and        -   multiple bend portions, including a first bend portion that            connects the first straight portion to the second straight            portion along the plane that is orthogonal to the optical            axis; and    -   the first set of one or more flexure stabilizer members include:        -   a first flexure stabilizer member configured to connect the            first array of spring arms to each other at connections            within the first straight portion; and        -   a second flexure stabilizer member configured to connect the            first array of spring arms to each other at connections            within the second straight portion.            CLAUSE 39: The mobile multifunction device of any of clauses            35-38, wherein:    -   the multiple spring arms and the one or more flexure stabilizer        members form a pattern that is symmetric along at least two axes        that are orthogonal to the optical axis.        CLAUSE 40: The mobile multifunction device of any of clauses        35-38, wherein:    -   the multiple spring arms and the one or more flexure stabilizer        members form a pattern that is asymmetric along at least one        axis orthogonal to the optical axis.

Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall withinthe scope of claims that follow. Finally, structures and functionalitypresented as discrete components in the example configurations may beimplemented as a combined structure or component. These and othervariations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall withinthe scope of embodiments as defined in the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera, comprising: a lens carrier to which oneor more lenses are mounted, wherein the one or more lenses define anoptical axis and the lens carrier and the one or more lenses are movablein a direction of the optical axis; an image sensor; a flexure platformcomprising: a dynamic platform to which the image sensor is connectedsuch that the image sensor moves together with the dynamic platform, astatic platform connected to a static portion of the camera, multipleflexure arms that mechanically connect the dynamic platform to thestatic platform; and a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured tomove the lens carrier such that the one or more lenses move in thedirection of the optical axis, and to move the dynamic platform suchthat the image sensor moves relative to the static platform in aplurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis, one or moreautofocus (AF) coils attached the lens carrier, a plurality ofstationary magnets, comprising: a pair of first magnets laterally spacedalong a first side of the camera, and a pair of second magnets laterallyspaced along a second side of the camera opposite the first side, and aplurality of optical image stabilization (OIS) coils connected to thedynamic platform, wherein individual ones of the OIS coils arepositioned beneath respective ones of the plurality of stationarymagnets.
 2. The camera of claim 1, wherein a portion of the lens carrierand one or more AF coils extend into a space between the pair of firstmagnets on the first side of the camera, and another portion of the lenscarrier and one or more AF coils extend into another space between thepair of second magnets on the second side of the camera.
 3. The cameraof claim 1, wherein the plurality of stationary magnets furthercomprises: a third magnet mounted at a third side of the cameraorthogonal to the first and second sides; and a fourth magnet mounted ata fourth side of the camera opposite the third side and orthogonal tothe first and second sides.
 4. The camera of claim 3, wherein the set offirst magnets, the set of second magnets, the third magnet, and thefourth magnet are respectively bar-shaped, and wherein the third andfourth magnets are oriented parallel to one another and orthogonal tothe set of first magnets and to the set of second magnets.
 5. The cameraof claim 4, wherein corresponding portions of the one or more AF coilsand the lens carrier run parallel to corresponding faces of theplurality of stationary magnets.
 6. The camera of claim 1, furthercomprising an AF position sensor mounted in a space between the pair offirst magnets on the first side of the camera.
 7. The camera of claim 1,further comprising: a first OIS position sensor mounted at an inneropening of a first coil of the plurality of OIS coils, and a second OISposition sensor mounted at an inner opening of a second coil of theplurality of OIS coils, wherein the first OIS position sensor and thesecond OIS position sensor move with the dynamic platform, wherein thefirst OIS coil and the first OIS position sensor are located at a firstside of the flexure platform and the second OIS coil and the second OISposition sensor are located at a second side of the flexure platformorthogonal to the first side of the flexure platform.
 8. The camera ofclaim 7, wherein the first OIS coil is positioned beneath a first magnetof the plurality of stationary magnets, wherein the first magnet has arectangular bar shape, and the first OIS coil has a shape correspondingto the shape of the first magnet on three sides and has a protrudingportion on a fourth side providing space in the inner opening of thefirst OIS to accommodate the first OIS position sensor.
 9. The camera ofclaim 1, further comprising: a damping component for damping AF motionof the lens carrier, the damping pin component comprising: a staticportion extending along a side of the camera module proximate a firstside of one of the stationary magnets, a first damping arm extendingfrom the static portion to a first damping gel location at the lenscarrier, and a second damping arm extending from the static portion to asecond damping gel location at the lens carrier, wherein the firstdamping arm extends proximate a second side of the one of the stationarymagnets, and the second damping arm extends proximate a third side ofthe one of the stationary magnets opposite the second side of the one ofthe stationary magnets.
 10. The camera of claim 1, wherein individualflexure arms of the multiple flexure arms respectively comprise multiplelayers formed using an additive process.
 11. The camera of claim 10,wherein the multiple layers for the individual flexure arms comprise aplurality of signal trace layers for routing electrical signals betweenthe static platform and the dynamic platform.
 12. A voice coil motor(VCM) assembly, comprising: a VCM actuator configured to move a lenscarrier such that one or more lenses of the lens carrier move in adirection of an optical axis of the lens carrier, and to move an imagesensor in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis, oneor more autofocus (AF) coils, a plurality of stationary magnets,comprising: a pair of first magnets laterally spaced along a first sideof the camera, and a pair of second magnets laterally spaced along asecond side of the camera opposite the first side, and a plurality ofoptical image stabilization (OIS) coils positioned beneath respectiveones of the plurality of stationary magnets.
 13. The VCM assembly ofclaim 12, wherein the pair of first magnets are positioned to permit aportion of the lens carrier and one or more AF coils to extend into aspace between the pair of first magnets on the first side of the camera,and wherein the pair of second magnets are positioned to permit anotherportion of the lens carrier and one or more AF coils extend into anotherspace between the pair of second magnets on the second side of thecamera.
 14. The VCM assembly of claim 12, wherein the plurality ofstationary magnets further comprises: a third magnet mounted at a thirdside of the camera orthogonal to the first and second sides; and afourth magnet mounted at a fourth side of the camera opposite the thirdside and orthogonal to the first and second sides.
 15. The VCM assemblyof claim 14, wherein the first magnets, the second magnets, the thirdmagnet, and the fourth magnet are respectively bar-shaped, and whereinthe third and fourth magnets are oriented parallel to one another andorthogonal to the first magnets and to the second magnets.
 16. The VCMassembly of claim 15, wherein corresponding portions of the one or moreAF coils and the lens carrier run parallel to corresponding faces of theplurality of stationary magnets.
 17. A device, comprising: a cameracomprising: a lens carrier to which one or more lenses are mounted,wherein the one or more lenses define an optical axis and the lenscarrier and the one or more lenses are movable in a direction of theoptical axis; an image sensor; a flexure platform comprising: a dynamicplatform to which the image sensor is connected such that the imagesensor moves together with the dynamic platform, a static platformconnected to a static portion of the camera, multiple flexure arms thatmechanically connect the dynamic platform to the static platform; and avoice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to move the lens carrier suchthat the one or more lenses move in the direction of the optical axis,and to move the dynamic platform such that the image sensor movesrelative to the static platform in a plurality of directions orthogonalto the optical axis, one or more autofocus (AF) coils attached the lenscarrier, a plurality of stationary magnets, comprising: a pair of firstmagnets laterally spaced along a first side of the camera, and a pair ofsecond magnets laterally spaced along a second side of the cameraopposite the first side, and a plurality of optical image stabilization(OIS) coils connected to the dynamic platform, wherein individual onesof the OIS coils are positioned beneath respective ones of the pluralityof stationary magnets; a display; and a processor and a memory storingprogram instructions executable by the processor to cause the image tobe displayed on the display.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein aportion of the lens carrier and one or more AF coils extend into a spacebetween the pair of first magnets on the first side of the camera, andanother portion of the lens carrier and one or more AF coils extend intoanother space between the pair of second magnets on the second side ofthe camera.
 19. The device of claim 17, further comprising: a first OISposition sensor mounted at an inner opening of a first coil of theplurality of OIS coils, and a second OIS position sensor mounted at aninner opening of a second coil of the plurality of OIS coils, whereinthe first OIS position sensor and the second OIS position sensor movewith the dynamic platform, wherein the first OIS coil and the first OISposition sensor are located at a first side of the flexure platform andthe second OIS coil and the second OIS position sensor are located at asecond side of the flexure platform orthogonal to the first side of theflexure platform.
 20. The device of claim 17, wherein respective OIScoils of the plurality of OIS coils comprise at least three OIS coillayers.